Physical Science Technology at Lamar State College-Orange

Orange, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 1,426 in Orange, TX.

Program Analysis

Lamar State College-Orange's Physical Science Technology program produces graduates earning $49,932/yr — within striking distance of the $54,443 national average for this trade.

With a 145.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Physical Science Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $10,787 in median debt clears fast against $49,932 in annual earnings.

A #10 ranking among 17 Physical Science Technology programs places Lamar State College-Orange in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $49,932-to-$103,271 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 8 apprenticeship pathways connected to Physical Science Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
68
Score
70
High End
Earnings $49,932/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$876K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
154.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
7 of 7
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,664
Out-of-state: $27,648
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,787
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,271
107% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Physical Science Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Chemical plant and system operators $73,540 -6.1% 85%
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other $60,130 +3.5% 45%
Hydrologic technicians $58,570 -2.1% 50%
Chemical plant and system operators
$73,540
-6.1% growth 85% AI-proof
Life, physical, and social science technicians, all other
$60,130
+3.5% growth 45% AI-proof
Hydrologic technicians
$58,570
-2.1% growth 50% AI-proof

View all 7 career paths with full salary data →

Physical Science Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Physical Science Technology credential from Lamar State College-Orange? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Physical Science Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Physical Science Technology Overview

Physical Science Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lamar State College-Orange

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 68/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Physical Science Technology at Lamar State College-Orange?
This program scores 68/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Physical Science Technology programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
How affordable is Physical Science Technology at Lamar State College-Orange?
Median debt of just $10,787 against $49,932/yr in starting salary means graduates can clear their loans in under 3 months. This is one of the more affordable paths in our dataset.
Can I learn Physical Science Technology through an apprenticeship instead of Lamar State College-Orange?
The DOL recognizes 8 apprenticeship pathways related to Physical Science Technology. For students weighing Lamar State College-Orange's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How sensitive is Physical Science Technology to AI disruption?
Our model shows a 40% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Physical Science Technology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →