Program Analysis
Graduates of Portland State University's Physics program earn $62,749/yr in their first year — 35% above the $46,482 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Physics programs nationally.
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 16% gap from the optimistic case.
At $22,358 in median debt against $62,749 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #3 of 75 nationally, this is a top-5% Physics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $62,749 to $84,248 over five years — a 34% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.