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Physics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
50
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,670/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 of 75 Physics programs

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 $531K $526K $493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 13.0x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 50 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,209
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $47,670/yr, Physics graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln land near the $46,482 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Physics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Physics's typical career paths, with 50% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,209 represents roughly 6 months of the $47,670 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #38 of 75 Physics programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Nebraska-Lincoln prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 18,887 in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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

Compare this program → View all 75 schools offering Physics →

Physics at Other Schools

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($70,150) Brigham Young University ($68,664) University of Pennsylvania ($68,215) Whitworth University ($65,316) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($64,045) Portland State University ($62,749) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($62,647) Georgia College & State University ($62,478)

Other Majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Computer Engineering ($82,398) Chemical Engineering ($79,603) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,101) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,017) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($75,137) Agricultural Engineering ($73,907) Construction Engineering Technologies ($71,797) Mechanical Engineering ($71,318)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Physics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $493,220 in decade earnings vs $530,576 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →