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Physics at Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,203/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #67 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 $390K $402K $401K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 10.1x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.5x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $115,176 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,780
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,224
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $30,203 per year, Physics graduates from Purdue University-Main Campus earn below the $46,482 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,224 debt-to-$30,203 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #67 out of 75 programs, Purdue University-Main Campus's financial outcomes for Physics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Purdue University-Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 39,637 students enrolled in West Lafayette, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University-Main Campus →

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 Purdue University-Main Campus

Computer Science ($94,786) Computer Engineering ($89,965) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,300) Industrial Engineering ($81,379) Chemical Engineering ($81,105) Mechanical Engineering ($80,374) Materials Engineering ($78,265) Construction Engineering ($76,966)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Purdue University-Main Campus's Physics program score?
This program scores 28/100 — 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.
Why are Physics earnings lower at Purdue University-Main Campus?
Lower starting pay at Purdue University-Main Campus may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →