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Physics at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
59
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,196/yr (34% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.3x earnings multiple (9.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 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 $648K $629K $570K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.8x 18.3x 16.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.6x 9.3x 8.4x
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)
$34,424
Out-of-state: $67,548 (9.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,856
-71% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $62,196 per year, Physics graduates from University of Wisconsin-River Falls significantly outpace the $46,482 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 18.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #25 ranking among 75 Physics programs places University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About University of Wisconsin-River Falls

With 82% of applicants admitted, University of Wisconsin-River Falls prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,152 students in River Falls, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-River Falls →

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 Wisconsin-River Falls

Agricultural Engineering ($57,627) Accounting and Related Services ($56,825) Agricultural Business and Management ($53,911) Computer Systems Analysis ($52,507) Plant Sciences ($48,791) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,570) Social Work ($45,870) Criminology ($45,113)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
At 59/100, University of Wisconsin-River Falls'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 Wisconsin-River Falls?
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 →