Physics at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,689/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #44 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 $994K $932K $796K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.4x 13.5x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.5x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,956
Out-of-state: $144,004 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,076
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,971
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,968
146% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,689 place Rutgers University-New Brunswick below the $46,482 national median for Physics — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.5x 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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,971 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,689 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #44 of 75 Physics programs, Rutgers University-New Brunswick falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $87,968 show a 146% jump from the $35,689 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Rutgers University-New Brunswick

A 65% admission rate makes Rutgers University-New Brunswick accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 36,357 in New Brunswick, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-New Brunswick →

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

Physics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $796,312 in decade earnings vs $993,824 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →