Tennessee · Physics

Best Physics institutions in Tennessee, 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
16
offering CIP 40.08
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
103
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
$24,187
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
60%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Physicists
$163,690
BLS OEWS 2024

16 institutions offering Physics in Tennessee

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Knoxville Public
3474%
2Vanderbilt University
Nashville Private not-for-profit
1594%$14,854
3Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro Public
1154%
4Fisk University
Nashville Private not-for-profit
830%$27,814
5University of Memphis
Memphis Public
851%
6East Tennessee State University
Johnson City Public
653%
7Rhodes College
Memphis Private not-for-profit
485%$19,854
8The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Chattanooga Public
450%
9Lipscomb University
Nashville Private not-for-profit
372%$24,309
10Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville Public
358%
11Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville Private not-for-profit
253%$14,286
12Austin Peay State University
Clarksville Public
140%
13Belmont University
Nashville Private not-for-profit
171%$29,246
14Carson - Newman University
Jefferson City Private not-for-profit
153%$19,537
15Southern Adventist University
Collegedale Private not-for-profit
149%$24,187
16Union University
Jackson Private not-for-profit
166%$25,882

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 Tennessee

Jobs in Tennessee
260
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$163,690
median $173,660
Best-paying metro
$222,180
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN

Related careers

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$98,220 avg · 380 jobs
Physicists
$163,690 avg · 260 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Tennessee.

How much do Physicists earn in Tennessee?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Tennessee is $163,690 (median $173,660), across about 260 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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