Physics at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,400/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #56 of 75 Physics programs

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 $835K $793K $693K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 12.4x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.6x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,119
125% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,400 per year, Physics graduates from Michigan State University earn below the $46,482 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.4x 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 17% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $33,400 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #56 of 75 Physics programs, Michigan State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $75,119 show a 125% jump from the $33,400 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Michigan State University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Michigan State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Michigan State University?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $692,581 in decade earnings vs $835,281 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →