Arkansas · Physics

Best colleges for Physics in Arkansas

Ranked by graduate earnings

University of Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University Main Campus and Hendrix College award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Arkansas: 30, 11 and 8 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 10 Arkansas colleges offer Physics and award 62 degrees and certificates a year in all.

The Physics program focuses on the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses various specializations, including Atomic/Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Optics/Optical Sciences, making it suitable…

Institutions
10
offering CIP 40.08
States & territories
53
with a program page
Degrees / yr
62
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median starting salary
$58,870
1 yr after graduation, College Scorecard
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,322
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
56%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Physicists
$146,880
BLS OEWS May 2025

Top institution, ranked by graduate earnings

Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.

Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionStarting salary (1 yr)Graduates / yrGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia Public · Bachelor's degree Small program
$58,8701149%—$23,625

Colleges awarding the most Physics degrees in Arkansas

Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.

Graduates / yr: degrees and certificates awarded in a year, IPEDS completions. Starting salary (1 yr): median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
#InstitutionGraduates / yrStarting salary (1 yr)
1University of Arkansas
Fayetteville Public
30Not reported
2Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia Public
11$58,870
3Hendrix College
Conway Private not-for-profit
8Not reported
4University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock Public
4Not reported
5Arkansas Tech University
Russellville Public
2Not reported
6University of Central Arkansas
Conway Public
2Not reported
7Henderson State University
Arkadelphia Public
2Not reported
8Arkansas State University
Jonesboro Public
1Not reported
9Harding University
Searcy Private not-for-profit
1Not reported
10Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia Private not-for-profit
1Not reported

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Physicists (SOC 19-2012).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.0%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,700
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$166,290
typically Doctoral or professional degree

Top skills

ScienceReading ComprehensionMathematicsCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive Listening

What Physicists earn in Arkansas

Jobs in Arkansas
60
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
$146,880
median $135,820
Best-paying metro
—

Related careers

Physicists
$146,880 avg · 60 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$83,160 avg · 30 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Arkansas.

Which Arkansas colleges award the most Physics degrees?+

University of Arkansas (30 graduates a year), Southern Arkansas University Main Campus (11 graduates a year) and Hendrix College (8 graduates a year) award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Arkansas, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 10 Arkansas colleges offer Physics.

How much do Physicists earn in Arkansas?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Arkansas is $146,880 (median $135,820), across about 60 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.

What is the focus of the Physics program?+

The Physics program focuses on the study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature. It encompasses various specializations, including Atomic/Molecular Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Optics/Optical Sciences, making it suitable…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop science, reading comprehension, mathematics, critical thinking, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Physicists?+

The national job outlook is about +4.0% growth with around 1,700 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Doctoral or professional degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

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