Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $48,169 track close to the $46,482 national median for Physics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Physics's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $24,250 represents roughly 6 months of the $48,169 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #48 of 75 Physics programs, Oregon State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.