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Physics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,324/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #51 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 $536K $531K $497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$66,280
Out-of-state: $141,584 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,508
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,677
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $48,324/yr, Physics graduates from University of Massachusetts-Lowell land near the $46,482 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% 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 $21,677 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #51 ranking among 75 Physics programs places University of Massachusetts-Lowell in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Massachusetts-Lowell

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Massachusetts-Lowell prioritizes broad access, enrolling 11,632 students in Lowell, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Lowell →

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 Massachusetts-Lowell

Computer Science ($86,167) Computer Engineering ($85,280) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,798) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,247) Chemical Engineering ($77,380) Polymer/Plastics Engineering ($77,114) Mechanical Engineering ($73,414) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($69,216)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of Massachusetts-Lowell?
At 47/100, 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 Massachusetts-Lowell?
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 →