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Cheapest Biological and Physical Sciences Colleges

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

CUNY Hunter College offers the most affordable path to a Biological and Physical Sciences degree at just $2,446 net cost, making it 11 times cheaper than the highest-priced program on this list. This dramatic cost spread reflects how strategic college selection can save students tens of thousands while entering fields that fuel America's growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly along the East Coast biotech corridor. Graduates earn between $27,301 and $45,852 annually, with Empire State University alumni commanding the highest starting salaries despite the school's modest 29.3% graduation rate. Florida dominates affordable options with four universities under $10,000 net cost, while graduation rates vary wildly from Oklahoma Panhandle State's 26.1% to Florida International University's impressive 73.9%. Public universities clearly provide the best value, with private Christian Brothers University at $10,896 representing the lone exception among top affordable choices.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $16,025
Net Price Range
$31,886
Avg. Program Earnings
51.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biological and Physical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $4,536 $6,916 61.8% 75.4%
3 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
4 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
5 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
6 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
7 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
8 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
9 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
10 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
11 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
12 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
13 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
14 $11,401 $8,280 37.7%
15 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
16 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
17 $12,529 $10,240 34.6% 97.2%
18 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
19 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
20 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
21 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
22 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
23 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
24 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
25 $13,778 $8,605 46.9% 98.6%
26 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
27 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
28 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
29 $13,884 $6,438 54.4% 34.2%
30 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
31 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
32 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
33 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
34 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
35 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
36 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
37 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
38 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
39 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
40 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
41 $15,044 $6,706 28.2%
42 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
43 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
44 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
45 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
46 $15,360 $13,014 32.3%
47 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
48 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
49 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
50 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

CUNY Hunter College costs just $2,446 while the highest program reaches $12,932, creating an $10,486 gap. Public universities dominate the affordable end because state funding subsidizes education costs. The single private institution, Christian Brothers University at $10,896 net cost, actually charges $37,300 in sticker price before financial aid. Geographic location also matters, with New York and Florida offering particularly strong value propositions.

How do graduation rates correlate with program affordability?

Graduation rates span from 16.2% at Cheyney University to 74.6% at University of South Florida, both affordable options under $11,000. Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers the second-lowest net cost at $7,557 but graduates only 26.1% of students. This suggests that low cost doesn't guarantee completion, and students should weigh both factors when choosing programs.

Is earning potential worth the investment in these affordable programs?

Starting salaries range from $27,301 to $45,852, with Empire State University graduates earning the highest despite a 29.3% graduation rate. Even the lowest-earning graduates at $27,301 can reasonably manage debt loads from these affordable programs. CUNY Hunter graduates earn $33,138 annually while paying just $2,446 net cost, creating an excellent return on investment ratio.

Does geographic concentration in Florida create advantages for students?

Four Florida universities appear among the most affordable options, with net costs ranging from $4,536 to $9,133. Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, and University of South Florida all maintain graduation rates above 60%. Florida's biotech industry and pharmaceutical research facilities provide strong internship and job placement opportunities. The state's lack of income tax also means graduates keep more of their starting salaries.

Where do acceptance rates suggest the most competitive affordable programs?

University of South Florida accepts just 43.9% of applicants while maintaining a $10,043 net cost, making it the most selective affordable option. CUNY Hunter accepts 47.9% despite offering the lowest cost program. Most other schools accept 75% or more of applicants, suggesting that affordability often comes with easier admission. Students can likely find acceptance somewhere on this list regardless of their academic profile.

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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.