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Cheapest Biological and Physical Sciences Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina Wesleyan University offers the state's most affordable Biological and Physical Sciences program at $18,165 net cost, creating an unusual opportunity in a field where Research Triangle Park employs thousands of life science professionals. The price gap between the cheapest option and Duke University reaches $16,289 annually. Salem College provides strong value at $18,835 with a 56.30% graduation rate, while Duke commands premium pricing at $34,454 but delivers a 95.80% graduation rate that reflects its medical school pipeline strength.
5
Programs
$18,165 – $34,454
Net Price Range
51.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Biological and Physical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
2 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
3 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
4 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
5 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic graduation rate differences between these programs?

Duke University achieves a 95.80% graduation rate compared to North Carolina Wesleyan's 40.40%, reflecting different student preparation levels and support systems. The $16,289 net cost difference often correlates with resources like research opportunities and faculty mentorship that impact completion rates.

How selective are the most affordable Biological and Physical Sciences programs?

Brevard College accepts just 39.89% of applicants despite charging $21,376 net cost, making it more selective than Duke's 6.35% rate might suggest for affordability seekers. Salem College's 87.49% acceptance rate provides the most accessible entry point at $18,835 annual cost.

Does Research Triangle Park hiring favor graduates from specific NC schools?

Major employers like GlaxoSmithKline and Biogen recruit across North Carolina programs, though Duke's medical research connections provide direct pathways to pharmaceutical roles. The 40-mile distance between Duke and NC Wesleyan means both programs serve the same biotech job market with vastly different price points.

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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.