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Natural Sciences Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Natural Sciences programs under $20,000 reveal stark cost differences across institution types, with Oglala Lakota College offering the lowest net price at $2,065 while private universities in Puerto Rico cluster around $8,000. The most affordable options come from public universities in California and Puerto Rico, where students can access quality science education for under $7,000 annually. These programs prepare graduates for the expanding biotechnology sector, which employs over 300,000 workers nationally and continues growing as pharmaceutical companies seek new talent. California State University-Los Angeles stands out with a 52.60% graduation rate despite charging just $4,113 net annually, demonstrating that affordable science education can deliver strong outcomes. Puerto Rican institutions dominate the middle price range, offering bilingual science programs that serve students planning careers in both domestic and international markets. The earnings data shows Natural Sciences graduates from these affordable programs earn around $20,824 early in their careers, providing a reasonable return on investment given the low educational costs involved.
46
Programs
$2,065 – $19,920
Net Price Range
$28,367
Avg. Program Earnings
50.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 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%
30 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
31 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
32 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
33 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
34 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
35 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
36 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
37 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
38 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
39 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
40 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
41 $18,094 $9,000 81.8%
42 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
43 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
44 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
45 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
46 $19,920 $42,740 57.1% 88.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Los Angeles such a strong value for Natural Sciences?

Cal State LA combines a low $4,113 net price with an impressive 52.60% graduation rate, making it one of the best performers in both affordability and outcomes. The university accepts 86.94% of applicants, providing accessible admission standards for motivated science students. Its location in Los Angeles connects students to major research institutions, biotech companies, and healthcare systems that actively recruit new graduates.

How do Puerto Rican universities compare in terms of Natural Sciences affordability?

Puerto Rican institutions offer some of the most affordable Natural Sciences programs nationally, with net prices ranging from $4,285 at Universidad Central de Bayamon to $8,964 at Inter American University Metro campus. The University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras provides strong value at $6,507 net cost while maintaining a 52.50% graduation rate. These schools often provide bilingual instruction, preparing graduates for careers in both U.S. and international markets.

Is Oglala Lakota College a viable option despite its low graduation rate?

Oglala Lakota College offers the lowest net price at $2,065, making it extremely affordable for students with limited financial resources. However, the 11.50% graduation rate reflects significant challenges that prospective students must consider carefully. The college serves the Pine Ridge Reservation community and provides culturally relevant science education that incorporates traditional ecological knowledge alongside conventional curricula.

Does attending a less expensive Natural Sciences program affect career earnings?

Early career earnings data shows Natural Sciences graduates from these affordable programs earn approximately $20,824, which represents a reasonable return given the low educational investment required. The key factor appears to be program completion rather than cost, as schools like Cal State LA and UPR-Rio Piedras with higher graduation rates prepare students effectively for entry-level positions. Students who complete their degrees often see earnings growth as they gain experience in laboratory, research, or field positions.

Where can students find the best combination of affordability and graduation success?

California State University-Los Angeles and University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras offer the strongest combination of low costs and high graduation rates, both achieving over 52% completion while charging under $7,000 annually. California State University-Bakersfield provides another solid option at $5,825 net price with a 49.30% graduation rate. These institutions balance accessibility with academic rigor, helping students complete their Natural Sciences degrees without excessive debt.

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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.