What is the starting salary for Physics graduates in Raleigh?

The estimated starting salary for Physics graduates in Raleigh, NC is $51,460 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 83. The national average starting salary for this major is $62,000. Salaries in Raleigh are 17% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Physics degree worth it in Raleigh?

A Physics degree in Raleigh has an estimated ROI payback period of 3.5 years, with a projected lifetime return of $544,540 after subtracting education costs. With 21 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,101/year, Raleigh offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Physics in Raleigh?

The average annual public university tuition in Raleigh is $9,101, while private universities average $30,399/year. Including room and board ($10,389/year), total 4-year costs range from $77,960 at a public school to $163,152 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Raleigh is $7,262/year.

What jobs can Physics graduates get in Raleigh?

Physics graduates in Raleigh can pursue careers as Physicist, Research Scientist, Lab Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Quantum Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Lab Research, Mathematical Modeling. The Raleigh job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include National Labs, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin.

How long to pay off student loans for Physics in Raleigh?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Physics graduates in Raleigh would pay $885/month on an estimated $77,960 in loans, with $28,266 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,525/month but save $14,704 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $51,460, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.

Physics Degree in Raleigh, NC — Salary & ROI 2026

Physics degree analysis for Raleigh, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$51K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$87K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

3.5 yrs

in Raleigh

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Physics in Raleigh, NC Overview

Raleigh is one of North Carolina's top college towns, with 21 institutions and a student population of 113,809. Public tuition averages $9,101/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Physics enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics. The adjusted starting salary in Raleigh is approximately $51,460, growing to $87,150 by mid-career.

Physics Salary in Raleigh (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living index of 83 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,460($-10,540 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$87,150($-17,850 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$107,900($-22,100 vs national)

Note: National average Physics salary: $62,000 starting, $105,000 mid-career, $130,000 senior level.Raleigh adjustment factor: 0.83x based on the local cost of living index.

Physics ROI Calculator for Raleigh

Estimate your return on investment for a Physics degree using local Raleigh tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,101 | Private avg: $30,399

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Raleigh avg aid: $7,262/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$77,960

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$22,410

vs HS diploma in Raleigh

ROI Payback Period

3.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Raleigh

$544,540

Lifetime earnings premium ($622,500) minus total education cost ($77,960)

Student Loan Payoff for Physics in Raleigh

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$77,960

Monthly Payment$885

Total Interest$28,266

% of Monthly Income21%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$77,960

Monthly Payment$1,525

Total Interest$13,563

Interest Savings$14,704

Colleges in Raleigh for Physics

North Carolina State University

public

$9,101/yr

$36,404 total

Meredith College

private

$42,074/yr

$168,296 total

Shaw University

private

$18,724/yr

$74,896 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Wake Technical Community College

$2,864/yr

Top Employers for Physics in Raleigh

Raleigh offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Physics graduates. National top employers in this field include:

National LabsSpaceXLockheed MartinIntelCERN

Key Raleigh Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Physics Job Titles

PhysicistResearch ScientistLab Engineer

Physics in Nearby North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC

$55K starting · COL 89

39 colleges

Greensboro, NC

$56K starting · COL 91

17 colleges

Durham, NC

$68K starting · COL 109

25 colleges

Winston-Salem, NC

$66K starting · COL 106

26 colleges

Fayetteville, NC

$56K starting · COL 90

15 colleges

Cary, NC

$67K starting · COL 108.5

7 colleges

Wilmington, NC

$59K starting · COL 95

5 colleges

High Point, NC

$52K starting · COL 84.5

5 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Raleigh

Prompt Engineering

$42K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$79K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$71K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$73K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$68K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$71K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$42K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$66K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Physics degree outcomes in Raleigh, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Physics programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Raleigh using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Physics graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Physics career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Physics grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Raleigh Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (North Carolina)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — North Carolina programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Physics Degree in Raleigh — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Physics ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Raleigh.

Physics Overview Colleges in Raleigh All Majors