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Physics at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,977/yr (-57% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)

ROI 5.8x earnings multiple (1.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #74 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	$307K	$330K	$347K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	5.4x	5.8x	6.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	1.7x	1.8x	1.9x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	62%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,680

Out-of-state: $179,788 (1.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$54,828

3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

11.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$56,586

183% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,977/yr fall 57% below the $46,482 national median for Physics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 5.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $19,977/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #74 ranking among 75 Physics programs places University of California-Riverside in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Riverside

With a 63% acceptance rate, University of California-Riverside is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-Riverside

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of California-Riverside?

At 23/100, 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 University of California-Riverside?

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-Riverside a good choice for Physics despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Riverside'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 →