Physics at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,341/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.0x earnings multiple (2.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #68 of 75 Physics programs

Program Analysis

Your physics degree from UConn-Waterbury offers a robust foundation, but the local job market and program structure here naturally shape career outcomes. Unlike larger research-focused campuses that funnel graduates into highly specialized, often PhD-requiring roles in advanced physics or engineering, this program frequently prepares students for regional opportunities. You'll often find yourself in teaching positions, or roles applying analytical skills in local industries where a broad STEM background is valued, rather than directly as a research physicist. The Waterbury area’s economy doesn't have the same density of high-paying R&D firms or national labs. To truly access the highest-earning physics careers, you'll likely need to pursue advanced degrees or proactively seek internships outside the immediate region to build specific industry connections.

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 $407K $417K $412K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 5.8x 6.0x 5.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.5x 2.6x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,848
Out-of-state: $160,520 (2.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,584
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,460
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 746 students in Waterbury, CT. 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,584 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus →

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 Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Physics careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $412,278 in decade earnings vs $406,861 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →