Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,804/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #63 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 $467K $470K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.1x 7.1x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,078
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,804/yr, roughly in line with the $46,482 national median for Physics. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 7.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,078 debt-to-$39,804 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #63 out of 75 programs, Virginia Commonwealth University's financial outcomes for Physics trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →

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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Commonwealth University's Physics program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Physics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Physics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Physics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →