Physics at University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,373/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #66 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 $423K $432K $423K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.8x 9.0x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.1x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,040
Out-of-state: $104,816 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,828
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,810
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of Northern Colorado's Physics graduates start at $34,373/yr, trailing the $46,482 national average by 26%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 0% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,810 represents roughly 8 months of the $34,373 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #66 of 75 Physics programs, University of Northern Colorado falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Northern Colorado

A 86% acceptance rate means University of Northern Colorado is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 5,693 students in Greeley, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Colorado →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Northern Colorado?
A score of 32/100 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 $423,009 in decade earnings vs $423,261 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from University of Northern Colorado?
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 →