Doctoral (Research)-15% vs national median273 grads tracked
Physical Sciences at University of Cincinnati
Ranked 63rd of 82 doctoral (research) programs in Physical Sciences by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$67,213
middle 50%: $52,411 – $91,235
Median · 5 years out
$90,582
middle 50%: $66,251 – $125,767
Median · 10 years out
$102,889
middle 50%: $79,221 – $152,972
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 holders see median first-year salaries of $67k. Earnings hit $103k after 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
4.5 yrs
≈ $4,951 total interest
Same major at other universities
University of Iowa
$93,643 · 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 Missouri - Columbia
$90,481 · 5 yrs out
Montana State University Bozeman
$90,071 · 5 yrs out
Northern Illinois University
$89,880 · 5 yrs out
University of Toledo
$89,880 · 5 yrs out
Georgia State University
$89,458 · 5 yrs out
University of Missouri - Saint Louis
$89,458 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at University of Cincinnati
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$155,297 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$153,210 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$145,675 · 5 yrs out
Medicine (Doctorate)
$145,613 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Bachelor's)
$140,208 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$139,248 · 5 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctorate)
$135,706 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$128,047 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$127,963 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Master's)
$115,266 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Master's)
$111,898 · 5 yrs out
Fire Protection (Bachelor's)
$110,004 · 5 yrs out