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Natural Sciences Colleges Under $15,000

Programs with net price under $15,000. See our methodology.

Natural Sciences education becomes remarkably affordable when you know where to look. Oglala Lakota College in Kyle leads with just $2,065 in net costs, while several California State Universities keep expenses under $6,000 despite serving major metropolitan markets. Puerto Rico emerges as an unexpected stronghold for budget-conscious science students, with Universidad Central de Bayamon and multiple EDP University campuses delivering quality programs at under $5,000 annually. The earnings data shows Natural Sciences graduates from these affordable programs can expect around $20,824 in early career income. Regional opportunities in biotechnology, environmental consulting, and laboratory services create steady demand for science graduates, particularly in California's expanding agricultural technology sector and Oklahoma's growing energy research industry. California State University-Los Angeles stands out with 52.60% graduation rates while maintaining $4,113 net costs, proving that affordable doesn't mean compromising outcomes. These programs span tribal colleges, state universities, and private institutions across varied geographic regions, each adapted to local industry needs and student populations.
29
Programs
$2,065 – $14,838
Net Price Range
$25,689
Avg. Program Earnings
45.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Natural Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
4 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
5 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
8 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
9 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
10 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
11 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
12 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
13 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
14 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
15 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
16 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
17 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
18 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
19 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
20 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
21 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
22 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
23 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
24 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
25 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
26 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
27 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
28 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
29 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Puerto Rico universities so affordable for Natural Sciences students?

Puerto Rico institutions like Universidad Central de Bayamon charge just $4,285 net annually, while EDP University campuses cost under $5,000. These schools benefit from federal financial aid programs while maintaining lower operational costs than mainland institutions. The University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras achieves 52.50% graduation rates at $6,507 net cost, demonstrating strong academic outcomes alongside affordability.

How do California State Universities keep Natural Sciences costs manageable?

California State University-Los Angeles delivers strong value at $4,113 net cost with 52.60% graduation rates and 86.94% acceptance rates. CSU-Bakersfield maintains similar affordability at $5,825 net cost while achieving 49.30% graduation rates. These universities leverage state funding and large enrollment numbers to reduce per-student expenses without sacrificing laboratory facilities or research opportunities.

Is earning potential competitive from these affordable Natural Sciences programs?

Graduates from these programs report median earnings of $20,824, which aligns with entry-level positions in laboratory technology, environmental monitoring, and research assistance. This income level reflects the practical, hands-on training these affordable programs provide rather than theoretical research focus. Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years as graduates gain specialized skills and industry certifications.

Where can students find the lowest-cost Natural Sciences education nationally?

Oglala Lakota College offers the absolute lowest cost at $2,065 net annually, serving Native American communities with culturally relevant science curricula. Several Puerto Rico universities cluster between $4,285-$4,989 in net costs, while California State Universities provide mainland alternatives under $6,000. Regional state universities like University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma offer middle-ground options at $8,543 net cost.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in affordable Natural Sciences schools?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras at 51.59% to California State University-Los Angeles at 86.94%, yet both achieve similar graduation rates around 52%. EDP University San Juan maintains selectivity at 39.64% acceptance while keeping costs under $5,000. These patterns suggest that affordability and academic rigor can coexist when schools focus on serving specific student populations effectively.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.