Physics at The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,328/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #64 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 $439K $446K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.4x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.1x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,964
Out-of-state: $87,860 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$44,936
-25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $36,328 per year, Physics graduates from The University of Texas at San Antonio earn below the $46,482 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $36,328/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #64 ranking among 75 Physics programs places The University of Texas at San Antonio in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About The University of Texas at San Antonio

With 88% of applicants admitted, The University of Texas at San Antonio prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 29,675 in San Antonio, TX. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at San Antonio →

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 The University of Texas at San Antonio

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at The University of Texas at San Antonio?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Physics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at The University of Texas at San Antonio?
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 San Antonio a good choice for Physics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at San Antonio'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 →