Physics at The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,832/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI
20.9x earnings multiple (5.7x 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 | $1,042K | $975K | $828K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 22.3x | 20.9x | 17.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 5.7x | 4.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 62% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 56 | 55 | 61 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (5.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,183
150% growth from Year 1
About The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin admits 29% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 42,100 students in Austin, TX.
See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →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 The University of Texas at Austin
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at The University of Texas at Austin?
At 55/100, The University of Texas at Austin'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 The University of Texas at Austin?
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 The University of Texas at Austin a good choice for Physics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Austin's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →