Virginia · Physics

Best Physics institutions in Virginia, 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
22
offering CIP 40.08
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
312
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$46,641
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,034
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
67%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Physicists
$163,990
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
1Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$58,0616386%$27,000
2Virginia Military Institute
Lexington Public · Bachelor's degree
$46,641876%
3Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond Public · Bachelor's degree
$39,8041463%$25,250

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 Virginia

Jobs in Virginia
1,260
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$163,990
median $164,180
Best-paying metro
$193,730
Richmond, VA

Related careers

Physicists
$163,990 avg · 1,260 jobs
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
$101,930 avg · 610 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Physics programs in Virginia.

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University tops the list at $58,061. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Physicists earn in Virginia?+

The average annual wage for Physicists in Virginia is $163,990 (median $164,180), across about 1,260 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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