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Physics at University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $55,826/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)

ROI 22.9x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #20 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	$596K	$584K	$536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	23.4x	22.9x	21.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.5x	6.0x
Probability of Field Employment	70%	62%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	59	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$25,472

Out-of-state: $89,868 (6.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$42,600

-67% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,715

4.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $55,826 at University of Central Florida come in 20% above the national median of $46,482 for Physics programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.9x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $55,826 far exceeding the $18,715 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #20 of 75 Physics programs, University of Central Florida scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 59,095 in Orlando, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Central Florida →

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 University of Central Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Central Florida?

A score of 59/100 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 $536,288 in decade earnings vs $596,399 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →