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Physics at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,748/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #61 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 $459K $463K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.4x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 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)
$37,260
Out-of-state: $119,348 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,688
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$69,676
80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $38,748/yr fall 17% below the $46,482 national median for Physics. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.4x 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 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #61 of 75 Physics programs, University of Utah falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Utah

University of Utah has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 26,041 in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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 Utah

Computer Science ($90,282) Computer Engineering ($89,605) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,654) Chemical Engineering ($73,841) Civil Engineering ($72,156) Mechanical Engineering ($70,999) Information Science/Studies ($70,833) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,565)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at University of Utah?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Physics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $446,109 in decade earnings vs $458,569 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Physics from University of Utah?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →