Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $43,740 track close to the $46,482 national median for Physics programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.0x 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 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,710 represents roughly 6 months of the $43,740 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #47 of 75 Physics programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.