Home
Majors
Physical Sciences
Physical Sciences

STEM Specialization

Physical Sciences

Only 48 colleges in the country offer Physical Sciences, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $63,096.

Explore Program

About Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $63,096 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 48 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 404 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $47,513
Median Earnings · 4yr: $63,096
Colleges Offering: 48
Graduates / Year: 404
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,892

How Much Do Physical Sciences Graduates Earn?

Physical Sciences graduates earn $63,096 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,682 and $89,719.

$47,513

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$63,096

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$71,805

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Physical Sciences graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$47,682 25th pct.

$63,096 Median

$89,719 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $63,096 and an estimated $75,568 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.3 years.

Based on outcomes from 40 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 404 students who complete Physical Sciences programs each year, the majority (48%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

48% 38%

Bachelor's 48%

Master's 38%

Doctorate 8%

What Can You Do With a Physical Sciences Degree?

Physical Sciences connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

Top Colleges for Physical Sciences

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Physical Sciences students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit	115	6.4%	$18,809	$87,555
2	University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL · Public	47	68.6%	$18,796	$61,767
3	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA · Public	20	79.8%	$20,667	$60,613
4	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	17	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
5	University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC · Public	17	88.5%	$10,965	$48,160
6	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	14	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943
7	North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC · Public	12	41.7%	$17,303	$68,758
8	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC · Public	10	49.9%	$10,846	$44,440
9	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	10	4%	$21,590	$102,491
10	Wayne State University Detroit, MI · Public	6	81.2%	$12,766	$53,493
11	Black Hills State University Spearfish, SD · Public	5	96.3%	$15,911	$46,674
12	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public	4	49%	$18,784	$74,502
13	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN · Nonprofit	4	93%	$27,846	$65,934
14	Xavier University Cincinnati, OH · Nonprofit	3	86.4%	$32,997	$64,873
15	Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CT · Public	2	Open	$11,513	$41,344
16	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public	2	86%	$16,200	$67,170
17	Temple University Philadelphia, PA · Public	2	80.4%	$28,198	$63,727
18	University of North Alabama Florence, AL · Public	2	87.3%	$12,170	$45,415
19	University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC · Public	1	79.6%	$15,435	$57,289
20	Suffolk University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	1	82.3%	$29,618	$67,506

View all colleges

Ranked by Physical Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Physical Sciences program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Physical Sciences degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Physical Sciences Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Physical Sciences shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $63,096 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $47,513 at graduation to $63,096 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availability Only 48 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Physical Sciences Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physical Sciences graduates earn?

Physical Sciences graduates earn a national median of $63,096 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,682 and $89,719. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Physical Sciences degree?

One year after graduation, Physical Sciences degree holders earn a median of $47,513. That climbs to $63,096 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Physical Sciences degree?

Physical Sciences degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Physical Sciences program take?

A Physical Sciences bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Physical Sciences?

48 colleges and universities in the United States offer Physical Sciences programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Physical Sciences degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $63,096 and an average net price of roughly $18,892/yr, a Physical Sciences degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What skills do employers look for in Physical Sciences graduates?

Employers hiring Physical Sciences graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Physical Sciences graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.