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Physics at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
63
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,562/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 19.6x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #11 of 75 Physics programs Top 25%

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 $873K $827K $717K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.7x 19.6x 17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 6.8x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 63

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,240
Out-of-state: $121,400 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,720
-75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,341
5.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$85,544
92% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Stony Brook University's Physics program produces graduates earning $44,562/yr — within striking distance of the $46,482 national average for this field.

With a 19.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,341 in median debt clears quickly against $44,562 in annual earnings.

Stony Brook University ranks #11 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $44,562-to-$85,544 earnings arc over five years reflects a 92% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University's 49% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook University →

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 Stony Brook University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($94,853) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($92,286) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($92,165) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($90,673) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,571) Computer Engineering ($73,820) Chemical Engineering ($72,868) Civil Engineering ($71,856)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Stony Brook University?
At 64/100, Stony Brook University's Physics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at Stony Brook University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Stony Brook University one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, Stony Brook University's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →