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Physics at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $60,495/yr (30% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)

ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #8 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	$746K	$715K	$634K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.6x	13.0x	11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.0x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	62%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	68	66	64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,000

4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$80,500

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Los Angeles Physics graduates command $60,495/yr out of the gate, well above the $46,482 national median. That 30% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% 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 — $21,000 in median debt clears quickly against $60,495 in annual earnings.

University of California-Los Angeles ranks #8 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 33% earnings increase from $60,495 to $80,500 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of California-Los Angeles

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Los Angeles, reflecting elite selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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 University of California-Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 66/100, University of California-Los Angeles'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 University of California-Los Angeles?

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 University of California-Los Angeles one of the best schools for Physics?

Among 75 Physics programs, University of California-Los Angeles's #8 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 →