Physics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,061/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 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 $732K $703K $625K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.3x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.8x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,224
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,349
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Physics graduates start at $58,061/yr — above the $46,482 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 11.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $26,224 in median debt clears quickly against $58,061 in annual earnings.

Ranked #12 out of 75 programs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Physics program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $58,061 to $78,349 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's 57% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Physics program score?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Physics graduates.
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.
Why does Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University rank so high for Physics?
The #12 ranking out of 75 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →