North Carolina · Physics

Best Physics institutions in North Carolina, 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
20
offering CIP 40.08
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
338
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$62,647
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$23,920
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
67%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Physicists
$152,640
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte Public · Bachelor's degree
$70,1504969%$28,750
2University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Public · Bachelor's degree
$62,6474691%$19,200
3North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh Public · Bachelor's degree
$43,7405285%$23,490

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 North Carolina

Jobs in North Carolina
170
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$152,640
median $170,690
Best-paying metro

Related careers

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$99,180 avg · 430 jobs
Physicists
$152,640 avg · 170 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in North Carolina.

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of North Carolina at Charlotte tops the list at $70,150. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Physicists earn in North Carolina?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in North Carolina is $152,640 (median $170,690), across about 170 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).

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card