Physics at Rutgers University-Newark
Newark, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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
14.1x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
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) | 15.0x | 14.1x | 12.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.0x | 6.6x | 5.6x |
| 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)
$66,344
Out-of-state: $141,392 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,971
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$87,968
146% growth from Year 1
About Rutgers University-Newark
Rutgers University-Newark has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,187 in Newark, NJ. 56% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-Newark →Top Career Paths
Physicists
$166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Physics teachers, postsecondary
$97,360/yr
Compare & Explore
Physics at Other Schools
Other Majors at Rutgers University-Newark
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rutgers University-Newark's Physics program score?
This program scores 49/100 — 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 Rutgers University-Newark?
Lower starting pay at Rutgers University-Newark 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 →