Physicsat University of Colorado Boulder
Graduates earn $41,874/yr in their first year — about 10.0% below the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $677K; scenarios range from $606K to $702K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Colorado Boulder
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Colorado Boulder's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physics
How University of Colorado Boulder stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Colorado Boulder
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Colorado Boulder, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at University of Colorado Boulder
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.