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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania offers the state's most affordable biology program at just $9,837 net cost, while Swarthmore College demonstrates how elite private education can compete on affordability through generous aid packages despite a $62,412 sticker price. Pennsylvania's biology graduates earn between $20,140 and $37,980 annually, with Millersville University producing the highest earners at nearly $38,000. The state's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates steady demand for biology graduates in research, clinical support, and laboratory roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 12 of the 15 cheapest programs coming from state institutions. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, from Cheyney's 16.2% to Swarthmore's 94.1%. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps bridge funding gaps for in-state students, making quality biological sciences education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $27,141
Net Price Range
$30,703
Avg. Program Earnings
59.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
6 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
7 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
8 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
9 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
10 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
11 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
12 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
13 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
14 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
15 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
16 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
17 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
18 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
19 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
20 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
21 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
22 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
23 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
24 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
25 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
26 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
27 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
28 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
29 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
30 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
31 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
32 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
33 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
34 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
35 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
36 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
37 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
38 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
39 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
40 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
41 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
42 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
43 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
44 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
45 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
46 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
47 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
48 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
49 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
50 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge graduation rate difference between the cheapest biology programs?

Cheyney University has a 16.2% graduation rate despite offering the lowest net cost at $9,837, while Swarthmore College achieves 94.1% graduation rates at $18,686 net cost. This 78 percentage point gap reflects differences in student support services, academic preparation requirements, and institutional resources. Even among public universities, graduation rates vary significantly, with Slippery Rock achieving 65.9% compared to University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg's 39.6%.

How do Pennsylvania biology graduates' earnings compare to program costs?

Millersville University biology graduates earn $37,980 annually with a net cost of $20,231, creating a favorable cost-to-earnings ratio. Lincoln University graduates start at $20,140 annually but pay only $12,912 net cost, resulting in quicker debt payoff. Most programs show graduates earning between $25,000 and $37,000, with debt loads typically ranging from $24,000 to $27,000.

Is Swarthmore College actually affordable for biology students despite its high sticker price?

Swarthmore's $62,412 published tuition drops to $18,686 net cost through need-based aid, making it competitive with mid-tier public options. The college accepts only 6.93% of applicants but provides substantial financial support to admitted students. With a 94.1% graduation rate, Swarthmore biology students are nearly guaranteed to complete their degrees, unlike some cheaper alternatives with much lower completion rates.

Where do University of Pittsburgh branch campuses rank for affordable biology education?

University of Pittsburgh operates three branch campuses among Pennsylvania's most affordable biology programs, with net costs ranging from $16,630 at Bradford to $18,952 at Johnstown. All three campuses maintain high acceptance rates above 93% and offer identical earning potential at $25,926 for graduates. Greensburg has the lowest graduation rate at 39.6%, while Johnstown performs best at 53.4% among the branches.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support biology graduates from these affordable programs?

Pennsylvania's healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, including UPMC and major drug companies, create consistent demand for biology graduates in laboratory, research, and clinical support roles. The state's biotech corridor around Philadelphia particularly benefits graduates from regional programs like Holy Family and York College. Average starting salaries of $20,000 to $38,000 align with entry-level positions in medical labs, pharmaceutical quality control, and environmental consulting throughout the state.

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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.