Physics at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
51
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,874/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 of 75 Physics programs Top 50%

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 $702K $677K $606K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.7x 10.3x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.0x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 51 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,306
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,490
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,874/yr, Physics graduates from University of Colorado Boulder land near the $46,482 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $19,306 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #34 ranking among 75 Physics programs places University of Colorado Boulder in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $41,874-to-$69,490 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 Colorado Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 51/100, University of Colorado Boulder'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 Colorado Boulder?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →