Doctoral (Research)-6% vs national median834 grads tracked
Physical Sciences at University of Colorado Boulder
Ranked 40th of 82 doctoral (research) programs in Physical Sciences by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$69,742
middle 50%: $55,782 – $97,731
Median · 5 years out
$100,806
middle 50%: $77,383 – $140,432
Median · 10 years out
$129,625
middle 50%: $93,882 – $171,456
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for Physical Sciences (doctoral (research)) graduates.
This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates
Research doctorate graduates in Physical Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder earn a median $69,742 initially. Salaries reach $129,625 by the tenth year.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.
Will the degree pay for itself?
Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.
Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).
Paid off in
4.3 yrs
≈ $4,652 total interest
Same major at other universities
Missouri University of Science and Technology
$104,398 · 5 yrs out
Clemson University
$103,464 · 5 yrs out
SUNY College of Environment Science & Forestry
$102,715 · 5 yrs out
University of South Carolina - Columbia
$102,325 · 5 yrs out
University of Virginia
$101,030 · 5 yrs out
University of Texas at San Antonio
$100,908 · 5 yrs out
CUNY Graduate School & University Center
$100,794 · 5 yrs out
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
$100,633 · 5 yrs out
Arizona State University
$100,487 · 5 yrs out
University of Texas at Arlington
$98,926 · 5 yrs out
West Virginia University
$98,163 · 5 yrs out
University of Oklahoma
$97,992 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at University of Colorado Boulder
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$179,121 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$162,413 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$136,557 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$134,060 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$121,503 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Master's)
$121,397 · 5 yrs out
Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$118,475 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Bachelor's)
$115,546 · 5 yrs out
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's)
$112,642 · 5 yrs out
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (Doctorate)
$111,405 · 5 yrs out
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering (Bachelor's)
$111,066 · 5 yrs out
Legal Professions and Studies (Doctorate)
$104,453 · 5 yrs out