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Physics at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
60 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
60
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,019/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 75 Physics programs Top 25%

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 $721K $693K $618K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.1x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 60 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,148
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,644
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Physics graduates start at $53,019/yr — above the $46,482 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $21,148 in median debt clears quickly against $53,019 in annual earnings.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks #19 among 75 Physics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 43% earnings increase from $53,019 to $75,644 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Admission to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,634) Computer Software and Media Applications ($98,117) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($93,674) Computer Engineering ($92,501) Information Science/Studies ($88,515) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($87,606) Industrial Engineering ($86,476) Mechanical Engineering ($82,823)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 60/100, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor'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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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.
Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor one of the best schools for Physics?
Among 75 Physics programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →