Program Analysis
Graduates earn $39,804/yr, roughly in line with the $46,482 national median for Physics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
At 7.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,078 debt-to-$39,804 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #63 out of 75 programs, Virginia Commonwealth University's financial outcomes for Physics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.