Physics at Whitworth University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $65,316/yr (41% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Large (77,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #49 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 $673K $651K $586K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 62% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,536
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $65,316 put Whitworth University's Physics program 41% above the national median of $46,482 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $65,316 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #49 ranking among 75 Physics programs places Whitworth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Whitworth University

Whitworth University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,927 students in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $103,536 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Whitworth 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 Whitworth University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physics at Whitworth University?
At 48/100, 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 Whitworth University?
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 →