Doctoral (Research)-3% vs national median271 grads tracked
Physical Sciences at Clemson University
Ranked 35th of 82 doctoral (research) programs in Physical Sciences by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$71,384
middle 50%: $55,150 – $94,903
Median · 5 years out
$103,464
middle 50%: $76,015 – $127,655
Median · 10 years out
$113,326
middle 50%: $87,070 – $141,885
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
Clemson University physical science doctorates earn a median of $71k in their first year. After ten years, the median salary hits $113k.
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
4.2 yrs
≈ $4,537 total interest
Same major at other universities
Ohio State University (The)
$105,774 · 5 yrs out
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
$105,519 · 5 yrs out
Colorado State University
$105,044 · 5 yrs out
State University of New York at Buffalo
$104,958 · 5 yrs out
George Mason University
$104,709 · 5 yrs out
Missouri University of Science and Technology
$104,398 · 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
University of Colorado Boulder
$100,806 · 5 yrs out
CUNY Graduate School & University Center
$100,794 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at Clemson University
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$151,716 · 5 yrs out
Psychology (Doctorate)
$141,351 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$138,614 · 5 yrs out
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs (Bachelor's)
$133,128 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$124,978 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$123,290 · 5 yrs out
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields (Doctorate)
$110,498 · 5 yrs out
Psychology (Master's)
$109,693 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Master's)
$105,918 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Master's)
$105,528 · 5 yrs out
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's)
$102,977 · 5 yrs out
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's)
$100,908 · 5 yrs out