Physics at Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
69 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
70
Optimistic
69
Base Case
67
Pessimistic
Earnings $54,548/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (9.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 75 Physics programs Top 10%

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 $827K $786K $687K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.4x 18.5x 16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.7x 9.2x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 70 69 67

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,552
Out-of-state: $85,328 (9.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,824
-55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,325
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$86,468
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $54,548 per year, Physics graduates from Salisbury University earn slightly above the $46,482 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,325 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #6 of 75 programs, this Physics program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $54,548-to-$86,468 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Salisbury University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Salisbury University prioritizes broad access, serving 6,056 students in Salisbury, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at Salisbury 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 Salisbury University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Salisbury University?
At 69/100, Salisbury University's Physics program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at Salisbury University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →