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Best Value Natural Sciences Colleges

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

Oglala Lakota College breaks every expectation about college costs, charging just $2,065 net price for its Natural Sciences program while most private schools demand over $20,000. This extreme affordability gap reflects deeper trends in science education access across different institutional types. Dominican University graduates earn $35,416 annually, nearly double what Christian Brothers University alumni make at $20,824, showing how program quality varies even among similar private institutions. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors continue expanding across the Midwest and Northeast, creating steady demand for laboratory technicians, research assistants, and quality control specialists. Temple University stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $42,682, justifying its $29,219 net cost for students targeting urban research opportunities. Public universities like Oregon State deliver solid value with net costs under $20,000 and graduation rates above 70 percent. Kansas State University combines affordability at $17,883 with strong completion rates, while accepting 95 percent of applicants.
50
Programs
$4,113 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$29,014
Avg. Program Earnings
61.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Natural Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,113 $35,416 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
2 $13,766 $30,554 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
3 $10,896 $20,824 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
4 $17,722 $29,685 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
5 $19,568 $29,685 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
6 $29,219 $42,682 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
7 $17,883 $24,035 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
8 $41,315 $19,227 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
9 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
10 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
11 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
12 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
13 $26,925 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
14 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
15 $45,723 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
16 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
17 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
18 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
19 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
20 $50,959 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%
21 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
22 $33,011 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
23 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
24 $20,893 $30,680 41.5% 64.4%
25 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
26 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
27 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
28 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
29 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
30 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
31 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
32 $22,762 $47,240 67.4% 78.1%
33 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
34 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
35 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
36 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
37 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
38 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
39 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
40 $25,651 $30,020 71.8% 65.5%
41 $28,065 $53,884 83.0% 87.8%
42 $27,018 $53,942 75.7% 86.2%
43 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
44 $18,094 $9,000 81.8%
45 $33,596 $31,920 75.5% 91.6%
46 $24,016 $39,330 64.1% 90.8%
47 $24,229 $40,270 43.2% 64.9%
48 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
49 $20,129 $21,600 37.4% 57.3%
50 $20,218 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Oglala Lakota College and other schools?

Oglala Lakota College charges just $2,065 net price compared to Felician University at $41,315, a difference of nearly $39,000 annually. Tribal colleges receive federal funding that significantly reduces costs for Native American students. However, Oglala Lakota has an 11.5 percent graduation rate while most other schools exceed 50 percent. The extreme affordability comes with academic support challenges that affect completion rates.

How do public university science programs compare to private options financially?

Public schools average around $18,000 net cost while private institutions often exceed $25,000 annually. Oregon State University charges $19,568 with a 70.6 percent graduation rate, matching private school completion rates at lower cost. Kansas State University offers even better value at $17,883 with 70.5 percent graduation rates. Temple University represents the best public option for earnings potential at $42,682 annually for graduates.

Is graduate debt a major concern for Natural Sciences students?

Most schools report graduate debt between $20,500 and $27,000, which remains manageable for science careers. Kansas State University graduates carry the lowest debt at $20,500 while earning $24,035 annually. Harrisburg University and Christian Brothers University both show $26,000 to $27,000 debt levels. The debt-to-income ratios stay reasonable since science graduates often find steady employment in healthcare, research, or technology sectors.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Natural Sciences?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma at 56.3 percent to Kansas State at 95.1 percent. Muhlenberg College accepts 65.5 percent of applicants but achieves 80.2 percent graduation rates, suggesting selective admissions improve outcomes. Schools with higher acceptance rates like Harrisburg University at 84.3 percent still maintain decent graduation rates around 43.4 percent. Selective programs often provide better academic support and resources for completing rigorous science coursework.

Where do Natural Sciences graduates find the best earning potential?

Temple University graduates earn the highest salaries at $42,682, likely benefiting from Philadelphia's medical and pharmaceutical industry connections. Dominican University graduates earn $35,416, reflecting strong Chicago-area opportunities in biotechnology and research. Harrisburg University produces graduates earning $30,554, competitive for the Pennsylvania market. Geographic location strongly influences earning potential, with urban areas offering more research institutions, hospitals, and corporate laboratories.

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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.