Illinois · Physics

Best Physics institutions in Illinois, ranked by earnings

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
30
offering CIP 40.08
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
480
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$51,019
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,794
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
63%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Physicists
$130,060
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
Champaign Public · Bachelor's degree
$51,0198385%$20,500

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 Illinois

Jobs in Illinois
1,660
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$130,060
median $131,260
Best-paying metro
$129,980
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Related careers

Physicists
$130,060 avg · 1,660 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,910 avg · 530 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Illinois.

Which Physics program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign tops the list at $51,019. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Physicists earn in Illinois?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Illinois is $130,060 (median $131,260), across about 1,660 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

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).

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