Best colleges for Physics in Oregon
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Oregon, Oregon State University and Reed College award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Oregon: 60, 34 and 13 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 10 Oregon colleges offer Physics and award 141 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…
Top 2 institutions, 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.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon State University Corvallis Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,169 | 34 | 70% | — | $25,410 |
| 2 | Portland State University Portland Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $62,749 | 10 | 53% | — | $29,070 |
Colleges awarding the most Physics degrees in Oregon
Top 9 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.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oregon Eugene Public | 60 | Not reported |
| 2 | Oregon State University Corvallis Public | 34 | $48,169 |
| 3 | Reed College Portland Private not-for-profit | 13 | Not reported |
| 4 | Willamette University Salem Private not-for-profit | 11 | Not reported |
| 5 | Portland State University Portland Public | 10 | $62,749 |
| 6 | Pacific University Forest Grove Private not-for-profit | 4 | Not reported |
| 7 | University of Portland Portland Private not-for-profit | 3 | Not reported |
| 8 | Lewis & Clark College Portland Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
| 9 | Southwestern Oregon Community College Coos Bay Public | 2 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 1 Oregon colleges offering Physics
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linn-Benton Community College | Albany | Public | 2 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Physicists (SOC 19-2012).
Top skills
What Physicists earn in Oregon
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Oregon.
Which Oregon colleges award the most Physics degrees?+
University of Oregon (60 graduates a year), Oregon State University (34 graduates a year) and Reed College (13 graduates a year) award the most Physics degrees and certificates in Oregon, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 10 Oregon colleges offer Physics.
Which Physics program in Oregon has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Oregon State University tops the list at $48,169. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Physicists earn in Oregon?+
The average annual wage for Physicists in Oregon is $207,370 (median $200,320), across about 90 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.
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