Physics at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
65
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,737/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 22.7x earnings multiple (11.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 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 $1,116K $1,040K $876K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.4x 22.7x 19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.0x 11.2x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 65

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (11.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$101,450
143% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,737/yr, roughly in line with the $46,482 national median for Physics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 22.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $41,737 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Texas State University ranks #13 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $41,737-to-$101,450 earnings arc over five years reflects a 143% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Texas State University

Texas State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 34,547 in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas State 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

Physics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Texas State University?
At 63/100, Texas State 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 Texas State 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 Texas State University one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, Texas State University's #13 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 →