Physics at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
62
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,150/yr (51% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 23.7x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 75 Physics programs Top 25%

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 $712K $685K $612K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 24.7x 23.7x 21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 7.8x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 62 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,856
Out-of-state: $87,504 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,980
-104% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of North Carolina at Charlotte Physics graduates command $70,150/yr out of the gate, well above the $46,482 national median. That 51% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 23.7x 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $28,000 in median debt clears quickly against $70,150 in annual earnings.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ranks #16 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About University of North Carolina at Charlotte

A 80% acceptance rate means University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 23,567 in Charlotte, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Charlotte →

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 North Carolina at Charlotte

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of North Carolina at Charlotte?
At 62/100, University of North Carolina at Charlotte'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 North Carolina at Charlotte?
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 North Carolina at Charlotte one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, University of North Carolina at Charlotte's #16 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →