Physics bachelor's degree programs in California
Compare 13 reporting programs using the same federal field and bachelor's degree credential definition. Earnings are observed four years after completion.
Highest reported earnings in California
Each bar uses the same field, credential, state and earnings year.
1California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo · $23,000 federal debt$96,8052University of California, IrvineIrvine · $15,000 federal debt$96,2153University of California, BerkeleyBerkeley · $15,508 federal debt$96,0434University of California, San DiegoLa Jolla · $16,800 federal debt$95,0185California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona · $23,000 federal debt$87,8566California State University, FullertonFullerton · Debt not reported$86,5047University of California, Los AngelesLos Angeles · $21,100 federal debt$85,7088University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara · $15,982 federal debt$85,2199University of California, DavisDavis · $16,464 federal debt$78,56910University of California, RiversideRiverside · $19,000 federal debt$74,410
CAREER CONTEXT IN CA
What related occupations pay in California
These are common occupational matches for this field, ranked by the strength of the federal education-to-occupation match.
11-9121Natural Sciences Managers
- State median wage
- $210,230
- Middle 50% wage range
- $167,630–$304,380
- State employment
- 14,950
- Projected growth
- +8.2%
- Annual openings
- 9,200
19-2012Physicists
- State median wage
- $207,490
- Middle 50% wage range
- $173,450–$222,760
- State employment
- 5,930
- Projected growth
- +7.2%
- Annual openings
- 1,300
25-1054Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
- State median wage
- $139,420
- Middle 50% wage range
- $105,810–$213,730
- State employment
- 1,130
- Projected growth
- +2.4%
- Annual openings
- 1,100
25-2031Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- State median wage
- $101,370
- Middle 50% wage range
- $79,710–$125,920
- State employment
- 99,230
- Projected growth
- -0.2%
- Annual openings
- 63,500
Career wages and employment are BLS estimates for everyone working in each occupation in California; they are not earnings or placement rates for graduates of these programs. Wage ranges show the distribution across workers, not an entry-to-experienced career path. Growth and annual openings are national 2025–35 projections. BLS reports openings in thousands; DegreeVerdict displays the corresponding job count. These figures provide labor-market context and are not used in DegreeVerdict payoff or ROI calculations.
ALL REPORTING PROGRAMS
Compare every available outcome
Sorted by observed year-4 earnings. Open a row for its exact college-and-degree profile.
| # | College | City | Median year-4 earnings | Median federal debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo | $96,805 | $23,000 |
| 2 | University of California, Irvine | Irvine | $96,215 | $15,000 |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley | $96,043 | $15,508 |
| 4 | University of California, San Diego | La Jolla | $95,018 | $16,800 |
| 5 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona | $87,856 | $23,000 |
| 6 | California State University, Fullerton | Fullerton | $86,504 | Not available |
| 7 | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | $85,708 | $21,100 |
| 8 | University of California, Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | $85,219 | $15,982 |
| 9 | University of California, Davis | Davis | $78,569 | $16,464 |
| 10 | University of California, Riverside | Riverside | $74,410 | $19,000 |
| 11 | California State University, Long Beach | Long Beach | $70,462 | $23,229 |
| 12 | California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento | $64,133 | Not available |
| 13 | California State University, San Bernardino | San Bernardino | $62,004 | Not available |
This is an observed-outcomes comparison, not a universal quality ranking. Missing and privacy-suppressed programs are excluded.
A quick read on Physics in California
What do Physics bachelor's degree graduates earn in California?
Across 13 reporting programs, the median observed earnings figure is $85,708 four years after completion.
How much federal debt is reported for these programs?
The median is $16,800 among the 10 programs reporting federal debt.
Which California colleges report the highest earnings for this degree?
The table compares the same federal field, credential and earnings year. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the highest reported figure among the programs shown.