Physics at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,428/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 19.9x earnings multiple (10.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 75 Physics programs Top 10%

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 $805K $767K $673K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.9x 19.9x 17.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.8x 10.3x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,604
Out-of-state: $74,764 (10.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,496
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,403
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $54,428/yr, edging above the $46,482 national average for Physics — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.9x 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 16% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,500 in median debt against $54,428 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #7 of 75 programs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Physics program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $84,403 show a 55% jump from the $54,428 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,194 students in La Crosse, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse →

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 Wisconsin-La Crosse

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
A score of 69/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physics field.
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 $672,869 in decade earnings vs $805,154 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →