Physicsat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $53,019/yr in their first year — about 14.0% above the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $693K; scenarios range from $618K to $721K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
A Physics degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a profoundly rigorous, foundational education, highly valued for its intense problem-solving and analytical training. This isn't typically a vocational degree leading to a singular career path; rather, it's a launchpad for advanced study and diverse, intellectually demanding roles. Many graduates pursue PhDs, aiming for careers in academic research, national labs, or industrial R&D.
The exceptional reputation of UofM ensures its graduates are competitive for top-tier graduate programs and highly sought-after roles in tech, data science, and finance, even without a direct "physicist" title. Your strong quantitative background makes you adaptable, but also means you'll need to strategically build complementary skills in areas like programming or data analytics. Given the evolving landscape of AI, focusing on specialized, human-driven research or integrating computational methods into your skillset will be crucial for long-term career resilience.
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 Michigan'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 Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at University of Michigan
What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 60/100, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor'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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 Michigan-Ann Arbor one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.