Iowa · Physics

Best institutions to study Physics in Iowa

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
14
offering CIP 40.08
States & territories
53
with a program page
Degrees / yr
115
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
$20,710
IPEDS 2024–25
Avg graduation rate
64%
IPEDS 2024–25
State pay · Physicists
$176,230
BLS OEWS May 2025

14 institutions offering Physics in Iowa

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Iowa
Iowa City Public
3475%
2Iowa State University
Ames Public
3375%
3Grinnell College
Grinnell Private not-for-profit
2088%$14,470
4Coe College
Cedar Rapids Private not-for-profit
1366%$18,153$27,000
5University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls Public
368%
6Central College
Pella Private not-for-profit
266%$19,732
7Drake University
Des Moines Private not-for-profit
274%$28,855
8Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids Public
243%
9Cornell College
Mount Vernon Private not-for-profit
162%$23,073
10Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny Public
139%
11Dordt University
Sioux Center Private not-for-profit
170%$24,569
12Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport Public
145%
13Simpson College
Indianola Private not-for-profit
163%$20,710
14Wartburg College
Waverly Private not-for-profit
164%$20,228

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 Iowa

Jobs in Iowa
110
BLS OEWS May 2025
State average pay
$176,230
median $178,110
Best-paying metro
$171,100
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Related careers

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$118,700 avg · 120 jobs
Physicists
$176,230 avg · 110 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Iowa.

How much do Physicists earn in Iowa?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Iowa is $176,230 (median $178,110), across about 110 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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