Doctoral (Research)-12% vs national median379 grads tracked
Physical Sciences at University of Iowa
Ranked 57th of 82 doctoral (research) programs in Physical Sciences by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$61,218
middle 50%: $50,021 – $82,271
Median · 5 years out
$93,643
middle 50%: $69,028 – $120,263
Median · 10 years out
$116,662
middle 50%: $84,119 – $156,159
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
Physical Sciences research doctorate graduates from the University of Iowa earn a median of $61,218 in year one. Median salaries reach $93,643 at five years and $116,662 at ten years.
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
4.7 yrs
≈ $5,217 total interest
Same major at other universities
Iowa State University of Science & Technology
$96,190 · 5 yrs out
University of North Texas
$94,516 · 5 yrs out
University of Georgia
$94,503 · 5 yrs out
Cleveland State University
$94,389 · 5 yrs out
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
$94,046 · 5 yrs out
Miami University
$93,965 · 5 yrs out
University of Alabama
$93,487 · 5 yrs out
Louisiana State University & Agricultural & Mechanical College
$92,343 · 5 yrs out
University of Oregon
$91,987 · 5 yrs out
University of New Orleans (The)
$91,460 · 5 yrs out
Bowling Green State University
$90,782 · 5 yrs out
University of Cincinnati
$90,582 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at University of Iowa
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$197,724 · 5 yrs out
Dentistry (Doctorate)
$173,339 · 5 yrs out
Medicine (Doctorate)
$167,710 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$157,015 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$151,198 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$144,877 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$143,232 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$121,670 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$114,999 · 5 yrs out
Legal Professions and Studies (Doctorate)
$112,327 · 5 yrs out
Law (Doctorate)
$112,327 · 5 yrs out
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's)
$107,625 · 5 yrs out