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Cheapest Biochemistry Colleges in Pennsylvania

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Swarthmore College charges $62,412 annually but brings net costs down to just $18,686 through financial aid, making it surprisingly affordable alongside public options for biochemistry students. This accessibility matters in Pennsylvania's growing life sciences sector, where UPMC and pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline actively recruit molecular biology graduates. The state's 20 programs span from Holy Family University at $12,251 net cost to high-value options approaching $22,000. Public universities dominate the lowest tier, with Lincoln University offering in-state tuition at $12,512 and East Stroudsburg at $11,036. However, graduation rates vary dramatically from 39.6% at Pitt-Greensburg to 94.1% at Swarthmore. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps bridge costs for residents, while the state's concentration of healthcare systems and biotech companies provides clear career pathways for biochemistry graduates. Students can expect median earnings around $33,000 to $36,000 early in their careers, with debt levels averaging $26,558 at some regional campuses.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $32,191
Net Price Range
$35,820
Avg. Program Earnings
66.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
5 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
7 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
10 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
11 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
12 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
13 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
14 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
15 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
16 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
17 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
18 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
19 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
20 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
21 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
22 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
23 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
24 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
25 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
26 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
27 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
28 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
29 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
30 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
31 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
32 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
33 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
34 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
35 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
36 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
37 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
38 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
39 $29,843 $52,000 71.1% 67.0%
40 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
41 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
42 $30,086 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
43 $30,314 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
44 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
45 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
46 $30,485 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
47 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
48 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
49 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
50 $32,191 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Swarthmore College affordable despite its $62,412 sticker price?

Swarthmore reduces costs to $18,686 through generous need-based aid, making it competitive with public options. The college accepts only 6.93% of applicants but maintains a 94.1% graduation rate. This combination of selectivity and completion rates often justifies the investment for biochemistry students seeking research opportunities.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare for biochemistry programs?

Public options range from Lincoln University at $12,912 net cost to Kutztown at $21,205. East Stroudsburg offers the lowest in-state tuition at $11,036 but graduates only 43.8% of students. Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides better value with 52.4% graduation rates at $17,216 net cost.

Is the $26,558 average debt level typical for Pennsylvania biochemistry graduates?

This debt figure applies to University of Pittsburgh campuses in Greensburg and Johnstown, both offering $33,281 median earnings. The debt-to-income ratio remains manageable given Pennsylvania's life sciences job market. Private colleges often result in different debt patterns depending on aid packages.

What career prospects exist for biochemistry graduates in Pennsylvania?

UPMC, one of the state's largest employers, actively hires biochemistry graduates for research and clinical roles. Major pharmaceutical companies maintain operations throughout Pennsylvania, creating pathways for molecular biology specialists. Early career earnings range from $33,281 to $36,141 based on program data.

Where can students find the best value among private Pennsylvania colleges?

Holy Family University leads at $12,251 net cost with a 60.4% graduation rate and 77.4% acceptance rate. Saint Francis University offers stronger outcomes at $19,173 with 72.8% graduation rates. Westminster College provides middle ground at $20,800 with 65.9% completion rates for biochemistry students.

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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.