Physical Science Technology at Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Physical Science Technologies/Technicians

serving a student body of 47,486 in The Woodlands, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $53,976 track close to the $54,443 national median for Physical Science Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 91.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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.

A #11 ranking among 17 Physical Science Technology programs places Lone Star College System in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
66
Score
67
High End
Earnings $53,976/yr (-1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (63% shielded)
Job Market Large (40,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$565K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
91.4x
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)
$6,180
Out-of-state: $17,400

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

Explore what Physical Science Technology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 17 programs nationwide.

Read the full Physical Science Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Physical Science Technology Overview

Physical Science Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lone Star College System

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Physical Science Technology at Lone Star College System?
This program scores 66/100 — 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Physical Science Technology program at Lone Star College System?
Beyond Lone Star College System's classroom route, 8 registered apprenticeships map to Physical Science Technology careers — including Chemical Engineering Technician. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →