College ROI

Smarter Choices, Brighter Futures
General

Physiology

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Physiology.

Entry Level Salary
$34,217
Median Salary
$104,125
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
20.2%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $4,165,000
Entry (Early)
$34,217
Median (Prime)
$104,125
High (Prime)
$106,923

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-148k
+438k
+461k
$25k / yr
-238k
+348k
+371k
$50k / yr
-328k
+258k
+281k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
28
28
$50k / yr
Never
33
32

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
$25k / yr
-219%
321%
341%
$50k / yr
-151%
119%
129%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate56.3%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.

Top Professions

Physicians

14.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,432
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$180,000|N/A
openings
22,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.8%

Physical therapists

4.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,195
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$84,952|$101,020
openings
13,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.9%

Registered nurses

3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$62,475
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$71,973|$93,600
openings
189,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%

Postsecondary teachers

3.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,031
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$85,000|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%

Chiropractors

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,672
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,757|$79,000
openings
2,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.5%

Management occupations

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$47,271
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%

Physician assistants

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,851
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$129,433|$133,260
openings
12,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +20.4%

Dentists

2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$143,470|$179,210
openings
4,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4%

Pharmacists

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,903
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$140,000|$137,480
openings
14,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.6%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$28,138
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,526|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
physiology, pathology and related sciences.Associate's Degree4$20,189 - $20,189
physiology, pathology and related sciences.Bachelor's Degree101$38,358 - $122,809
physiology, pathology and related sciences.Master's Degree96$53,631 - $138,085
physiology, pathology and related sciences.Doctoral Degree97$97,544 - $107,552