Idaho · Physics

Best colleges for Physics in Idaho

Ranked by graduate earnings

Brigham Young University - Idaho, Boise State University and University of Idaho award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Idaho: 23, 14 and 12 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 6 Idaho colleges offer Physics and award 65 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
6
offering CIP 40.08
States & territories
53
with a program page
Degrees / yr
65
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median starting salary
$45,813
1 yr after graduation, College Scorecard
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Median net price
$19,578
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
51%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Physicists
$148,780
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
1Boise State University
Boise Public · Bachelor's degree Small program
$45,8131460%—$26,175

Colleges awarding the most Physics degrees in Idaho

Top 6 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)
1Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg Private not-for-profit
23Not reported
2Boise State University
Boise Public
14$45,813
3University of Idaho
Moscow Public
12Not reported
4Idaho State University
Pocatello Public
8Not reported
5The College of Idaho
Caldwell Private not-for-profit
4Not reported
6College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls Public
4Not 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 Idaho

Jobs in Idaho
—
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
$148,780
median $135,150
Best-paying metro
$145,800
Idaho Falls, ID

Related careers

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$105,510 avg · 50 jobs
Physicists
$148,780

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Idaho.

Which Idaho colleges award the most Physics degrees?+

Brigham Young University - Idaho (23 graduates a year), Boise State University (14 graduates a year) and University of Idaho (12 graduates a year) award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Idaho, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 6 Idaho colleges offer Physics.

How much do Physicists earn in Idaho?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Idaho is $148,780 (median $135,150). 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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