Physical Sciences graduates earn $63,096 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.2%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Natural Sciences Managers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
This page covers Physical Sciences as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Physical Sciences and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
Physical Sciences is a specialized field of study. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $63,096 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 48 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 404 students complete it each year, most walking away with 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?
Four years after finishing Physical Sciences, a typical graduate earns $63,096, near the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $47,682 and $89,719, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Source: College Scorecard.
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
Not every Physical Sciences graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out widely, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$47,68225th pct.
$63,096Median
$89,71975th 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's48%
Master's38%
Doctorate8%
What Can You Do With a Physical Sciences Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Physical Sciences graduates show up in 1 different occupations, and Natural Sciences Managers pay the most at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
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
Not sure where to study Physical Sciences? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Physical Sciences graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Physical Sciences is not the only path through Physical Sciences: 7 other specializations sit alongside it. The comparison below ranks them by 4-year median earnings so you can see where this one lands.
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.
The data on Physical Sciences shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $63,096 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $47,513 at graduation to $63,096 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.2% over the next decade, with Natural Sciences Managers among the fastest-growing roles.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop 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 availabilityOnly 48 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
$63,096 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $47,682 and $89,719, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for a Physical Sciences degree?
$47,513 in the first year out. That grows to $63,096 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.
What jobs can you get with a Physical Sciences degree?
Natural Sciences Managers are one path, and it pays a median of $167,220 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Physical Sciences program take?
Four years of full-time study for a Physical Sciences bachelor's degree, the standard timeline for this field. If you want a faster route into the workforce, community colleges offer a two-year associate option instead.
How many colleges offer Physical Sciences?
48 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
Is a Physical Sciences degree worth it?
$63,096 median earnings four years out against $18,892 a year in average net price. That is a reasonable payback window, best at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.
What skills do employers look for in Physical Sciences graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Physical Sciences graduates consistently look for analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
Is graduate school worth it for Physical Sciences graduates?
Usually worth considering. A master's in a STEM field 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. Weigh that against your own career goals, the program's cost, and whether your target role actually rewards the advanced credential.
Related Physical Sciences Programs
Other programs in Physical Sciences. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
H
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