Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,804/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI
7.1x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
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 | $467K | $470K | $452K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.1x | 7.1x | 6.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.0x | 3.0x | 2.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 62% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,078
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →Top Career Paths
Physicists
$166,290/yr
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Physics teachers, postsecondary
$97,360/yr
Compare & Explore
Physics at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Virginia Commonwealth University's Physics program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Physics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Physics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Physics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →