Best institutions to study Physical Sciences
Compare 29 U.S. colleges offering Physical Sciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 19 states.
Physical Sciences programs report a median of $59,562 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 40.99 and the Physical Scientists, All Other occupation (BLS SOC).
About Physical Sciences programs
The Physical Sciences program focuses on the study of non-living systems, encompassing various branches of natural science. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding the fundamental principles that govern the physical world, including topics such as physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Students will explore the interactions and behaviors of matter and energy in various contexts. Designed for those who enjoy analytical thinking and problem-solving, the Physical Sciences program prepares students for a range of scientific inquiries. It is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge in scientific disciplines and apply this understanding to real-world challenges, making it a valuable choice for aspiring scientists and researchers.
In the Physical Sciences program, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of core concepts related to non-living systems. Coursework typically covers fundamental principles of physics and chemistry, as well as the scientific methods used to analyze and interpret data. Students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills essential for conducting scientific research.
Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Empire State University Saratoga Springs, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $59,562 | 155 | 41% | — | $23,976 |
| 2 | University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,464 | 21 | 66% | — | $25,250 |
Offered across 19 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 4 | $59,562 | Empire State University |
| Virginia | 3 | $35,464 | University of Mary Washington |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| District of Columbialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 2 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Carolina | 4 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-2099, Physical Scientists, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Physical Sciences program can pursue various careers in scientific research, education, and industry. The job outlook indicates little to no change in employment opportunities, with an estimated 2,000 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is approximately $117,960, and a typical education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Physical Sciences
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 40.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 40.99 (Physical Sciences, Other) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-2099 | Physical Scientists, All Otherprimary |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Concentrations within Physical Sciences
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Physical Sciences, OtherCIP 40.9999
Any instructional program in physical sciences not listed above.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Physical Sciences program?+
The program focuses on the study of non-living systems within the broader field of natural science.
What kind of coursework can I expect?+
Students will study core concepts in physics and chemistry, along with scientific methods for data analysis.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 2,000 annual openings in the field.
What is the median wage for careers in Physical Sciences?+
The median wage is approximately $117,960 for positions in this field.
How much do Physical Sciences graduates earn?+
Physical Sciences graduates report median earnings of $59,562 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Physical Scientists, All Other occupation pays about $129,230 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Physical Sciences?+
Physical Sciences maps to CIP 40.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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