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Best Value Biological and Physical Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY Hunter College delivers an extraordinary value proposition for science students, with graduates earning $33,138 annually while paying just $2,446 in net costs. This stark contrast becomes even more striking when compared to private alternatives that charge 10 times more. The biological and physical sciences field has seen tremendous growth across the Northeast, where biotechnology companies and research institutions actively recruit graduates from programs that balance rigorous academics with affordability. Empire State University graduates command the highest salaries at $45,852, though their 29.30% graduation rate raises important questions about program completion. Meanwhile, University of South Florida combines strong earnings potential of $28,598 with an impressive 74.60% graduation rate, proving that students don't need to sacrifice academic support for value. These programs prepare students for careers in pharmaceutical research, environmental consulting, and medical technology sectors that continue expanding throughout major metropolitan areas.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $42,581
Net Price Range
$30,224
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biological and Physical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $33,138 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $11,147 $45,852 $7,630 29.3%
3 $10,043 $28,598 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
4 $13,726 $39,009 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,609 $39,909 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
6 $14,623 $33,993 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
7 $14,401 $33,281 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
8 $12,599 $28,236 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
9 $13,780 $29,685 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
10 $12,932 $27,301 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
11 $17,096 $35,996 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
12 $15,389 $30,771 $9,622 43.0%
13 $15,266 $29,685 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
14 $17,216 $33,459 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
15 $15,360 $25,774 $13,014 32.3%
16 $19,452 $32,245 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
17 $17,034 $26,519 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
18 $13,816 $21,166 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
19 $21,782 $32,391 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
20 $27,823 $40,485 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
21 $18,952 $26,519 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
22 $22,585 $24,730 $8,999 43.6% 74.4%
23 $25,884 $25,194 $50,920 68.4% 90.5%
24 $18,680 $16,874 $9,286 65.5% 92.7%
25 $30,074 $26,519 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
26 $34,744 $29,685 $46,810 83.2% 82.3%
27 $39,433 $27,476 $65,081 94.3% 12.2%
28 $42,581 $21,781 $61,992 80.3% 54.1%
29 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
30 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
31 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
32 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
33 $36,000 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%
34 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
35 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
36 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
37 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
38 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
39 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
40 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
41 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
42 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
43 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
44 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
45 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
46 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
47 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
48 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
49 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
50 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College such an strong value for science majors?

Hunter College charges just $2,446 in net costs while producing graduates who earn $33,138 annually. The school maintains a solid 61% graduation rate with selective 47.86% acceptance standards. This combination of low costs and strong outcomes creates one of the best return-on-investment ratios in the country.

How do public university costs compare to private options for science degrees?

Public universities dominate this value ranking, with most charging between $7,000-$15,000 in net costs. Private institutions like Fairleigh Dickinson charge $35,822 in tuition but only net $15,266 after aid. The earnings gap between public and private graduates remains minimal, making public schools the clear financial winner.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in biological sciences?

University of South Florida demonstrates that high graduation rates and strong value can coexist, posting a 74.60% completion rate alongside $28,598 earnings. Conversely, Empire State University offers the highest salaries at $45,852 but graduates only 29.30% of students. Students must weigh earning potential against completion likelihood.

Where do biological and physical sciences graduates find the best job markets?

Florida and New York programs show particularly strong earning potential, with multiple schools producing graduates earning over $33,000 annually. The biotechnology corridor along the East Coast provides numerous opportunities in pharmaceutical research and environmental science. Regional proximity to major research universities and medical centers significantly impacts graduate employment prospects.

What debt levels should science students expect from these programs?

Most graduates carry moderate debt loads between $16,000-$27,000, with Shawnee State University students borrowing just $16,000 on average. Washington State University keeps debt reasonable at $18,853 despite strong $33,281 earning potential. These debt-to-income ratios remain manageable for most science career paths.

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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.