Physicsat Portland State University
Graduates earn $62,749/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $740K; scenarios range from $653K to $775K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Portland State University
Portland State's Physics program consistently delivers strong outcomes because it emphasizes the highly transferable analytical and problem-solving skills demanded by the Pacific Northwest's robust tech and manufacturing sectors. Many graduates leverage their quantitative prowess in roles at companies like Intel, Nike, and numerous local startups, often in engineering, data science, or R&D, rather than solely traditional physics research.
The "Very High" AI risk reflects that many computational and data-intensive roles, where physics grads excel, are ripe for augmentation. This isn't a deterrent but a call to action: focus heavily on acquiring practical coding, data analysis, and machine learning skills. Actively pursue internships that translate your theoretical knowledge into applied solutions, positioning you strategically for these evolving opportunities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Portland State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physics
How Portland State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Portland State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Portland State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at Portland State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Portland State University?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Physics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Physics careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $653,186 in decade earnings vs $775,070 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Portland State University's Physics program stand out?
Ranked #3 of 75 programs nationally, Portland State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.