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Physics at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
41
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,399/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #59 of 75 Physics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Physics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $545K $538K $502K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 41 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,797
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $49,399 at Northeastern University come in 6% above the national median of $46,482 for Physics programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,797 debt-to-$49,399 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #59 out of 75 programs, Northeastern University's financial outcomes for Physics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 15,719 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Physics teachers, postsecondary $97,360/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 75 schools offering Physics →

Physics at Other Schools

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($70,150) Brigham Young University ($68,664) University of Pennsylvania ($68,215) Whitworth University ($65,316) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($64,045) Portland State University ($62,749) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($62,647) Georgia College & State University ($62,478)

Other Majors at Northeastern University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($115,587) Computer Engineering ($99,499) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($92,222) Chemical Engineering ($81,880) International Business ($80,848) Mechanical Engineering ($80,255) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,713) Industrial Engineering ($77,066)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeastern University's Physics program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Physics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Physics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Physics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →