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Physics at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
48
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,219/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #46 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 $551K $544K $507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.2x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 48 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$61,607
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $50,219 at University of California-Berkeley come in 8% above the national median of $46,482 for Physics programs.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $50,219 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #46 ranking among 75 Physics programs places University of California-Berkeley in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, one of the larger campuses at 33,073 students in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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

Compare this program → View all 75 schools offering Physics →

Physics at Other Schools

University of North Carolina at Charlotte ($70,150) Brigham Young University ($68,664) University of Pennsylvania ($68,215) Whitworth University ($65,316) California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ($64,045) Portland State University ($62,749) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($62,647) Georgia College & State University ($62,478)

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

Computer Science ($149,866) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($137,295) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($90,008) Operations Research ($88,685) Mechanical Engineering ($88,497) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($88,030) Statistics ($83,227) Chemical Engineering ($81,553)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of California-Berkeley?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Physics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Physics at University of California-Berkeley?
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 →