Cheapest Biological and Physical Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania breaks all expectations with a net cost of just $9,837 for biological and physical sciences students, making it one of the most affordable science programs in the nation. The price gap between this public option and Swarthmore College reaches nearly $9,000, even though both institutions serve Pennsylvania residents. Pennsylvania's growing life sciences sector, anchored by major pharmaceutical companies and UPMC's research network, creates strong demand for graduates in these fields. Indiana University of Pennsylvania students earn $33,459 after graduation, the highest among tracked programs, while maintaining reasonable debt levels. The state's 16 programs range from $9,837 to $33,549 in net costs, with public universities consistently offering lower prices than private colleges. Pennsylvania's established healthcare infrastructure and expanding biotech presence provide clear career pathways for science graduates throughout the region.

Programs

$9,837 – $33,549

Net Price Range

$28,254

Avg. Program Earnings

62.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Biological and Physical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney, Pennsylvania	$9,837	$10,904	16.2%
2	East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania	$15,089	$11,036	43.8%	93.6%
3	University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$17,034	$14,630	39.6%	97.6%
4	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, Pennsylvania	$17,216	$11,380	52.4%	91.9%
5	Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania	$18,686	$62,412	94.1%	6.9%
6	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, Pennsylvania	$18,952	$14,646	53.4%	97.4%
7	Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, Pennsylvania	$21,205	$11,230	54.1%	96.1%
8	Allegheny College Meadville, Pennsylvania	$21,900	$54,960	66.5%	69.7%
9	King's College Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania	$23,281	$42,600	60.1%	96.0%
10	Arcadia University Glenside, Pennsylvania	$25,866	$48,290	64.0%	77.6%
11	Juniata College Huntingdon, Pennsylvania	$27,663	$56,402	68.9%	76.2%
12	Alvernia University Reading, Pennsylvania	$28,329	$42,810	58.5%	59.0%
13	Moravian University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	$29,843	$52,000	71.1%	67.0%
14	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074	$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
15	Ursinus College Collegeville, Pennsylvania	$30,485	$59,196	76.6%	82.2%
16	Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	$33,549	$62,180	89.2%	37.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cheyney University's science program so affordable compared to other Pennsylvania schools?

Cheyney University charges just $9,837 in net costs, making it the cheapest biological and physical sciences program in Pennsylvania by a significant margin. The next closest option costs $15,089 at East Stroudsburg University, creating a $5,252 gap. As a historically black public university, Cheyney receives state funding that helps keep tuition low for all students. However, the school's 16.20% graduation rate suggests students should carefully weigh cost savings against completion outcomes.

How do graduation rates vary between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Swarthmore College achieves a 94.10% graduation rate despite being among the more expensive options at $18,686 net cost after aid. Cheyney University, the cheapest at $9,837, has a 16.20% graduation rate, while mid-priced options like Kutztown University maintain solid 54.10% rates. The University of Pittsburgh's main campus combines strong outcomes with moderate costs, graduating 84.30% of students at $30,074 net price.

What earning potential can graduates expect from Pennsylvania's biological and physical sciences programs?

Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $33,459 annually, the highest tracked among these programs, while maintaining a net cost of $17,216. University of Pittsburgh campuses in Greensburg and Johnstown both show $26,519 in graduate earnings with varying debt loads. The earnings data suggests that public university graduates in Pennsylvania can expect starting salaries in the high $20,000s to low $30,000s range. These figures reflect entry-level positions in laboratory work, research assistance, and related scientific fields.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support biological and physical sciences graduates?

Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, led by UPMC, creates consistent demand for laboratory technicians and research staff with science backgrounds. Major pharmaceutical companies operating in the state hire graduates for quality control, research support, and regulatory compliance roles. The state's growing biotech sector, particularly around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offers additional career paths. PA State Grant funding helps residents afford these programs, recognizing the workforce needs in healthcare and related industries.

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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.