Physicsat Purdue University-Main Campus
Graduates earn $30,203/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $402K; scenarios range from $401K to $390K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Purdue University
While Purdue boasts a strong reputation in STEM, the earnings data for Physics graduates suggests a common path for many physics undergraduates: foundational theory over immediate high-paying industry roles. Many graduates from programs like Purdue's often pursue advanced degrees, pivot into adjacent fields like engineering or data science, or enter teaching. The highest-paying career paths listed typically require a Master's or PhD, which isn't reflected in initial undergraduate earnings. Your first job out of a physics undergrad program might involve analytical roles, R&D support, or even secondary education, particularly if you're not relocating to a major tech or finance hub. To maximize your post-graduation salary potential, actively pursue internships that apply your analytical skills in industry or plan for graduate studies.
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 Purdue 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 Purdue University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Purdue University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Purdue University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at Purdue University
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.