Physics at Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,435/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 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 $936K $882K $759K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.0x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.2x 8.6x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$62,800
Out-of-state: $102,256 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,740
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,651
132% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $36,435/yr fall 22% below the $46,482 national median for Physics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

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 19% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $36,435 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #39 of 75 Physics programs, Rowan University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $84,651 show a 132% jump from the $36,435 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Rowan University

Rowan University has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,647 students in Glassboro, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rowan 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 Rowan University?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Physics programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $758,538 in decade earnings vs $936,089 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from Rowan 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 →