Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $56,018 at California State University-San Marcos come in 21% above the national median of $46,482 for Physics programs.
With a 23.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $56,018 far exceeding the $19,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
California State University-San Marcos ranks #4 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 44% earnings increase from $56,018 to $80,480 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.