Physics at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Magnolia, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,870/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (9.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 of 75 Physics programs Top 50%

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 $621K $605K $552K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.8x 15.4x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.1x 9.8x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,280
Out-of-state: $61,600 (9.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,776
-62% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $58,870 per year, Physics graduates from Southern Arkansas University Main Campus significantly outpace the $46,482 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.4x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $22,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #30 of 75 Physics programs, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Southern Arkansas University Main Campus accepts 67% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,865 students in Magnolia, AR. 45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus →

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 Southern Arkansas University Main Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at Southern Arkansas University Main Campus?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physics field.
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 $552,362 in decade earnings vs $620,965 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →