Physicsat University of Connecticut
Graduates earn $32,341/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $417K; scenarios range from $412K to $407K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UConn
The data for UConn Physics suggests a challenging path for many graduates, often reflecting the broader landscape for a pure undergraduate physics degree. Unlike more applied STEM fields, a bachelor's in physics from a strong public university like UConn typically serves as a robust intellectual foundation rather than a direct pipeline to high-paying, entry-level physicist roles. Many of the top career paths you see listed, such as research physicists, heavily favor candidates with advanced degrees, often a Ph.D.
Without that further specialization, graduates frequently pivot into secondary education, or analytical roles in finance, data science, or engineering where their problem-solving skills are valued but specific vocational training might be lacking. The regional labor market in Connecticut, while offering some tech and manufacturing opportunities, might not have a high demand for entry-level pure physics roles either. This can lead to a period of lower initial earnings as you either pursue graduate studies or develop complementary skills. Given the high AI risk, focusing on truly unique research, computational, or applied engineering skills will be crucial. If physics is your passion, consider graduate school a likely next step, or actively seek internships that apply your analytical abilities to other high-demand sectors.
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 UConn'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 UConn stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UConn
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UConn, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at UConn
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Connecticut?
A score of 27/100 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?
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.