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Cheapest Ecology Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University stands out dramatically in Pennsylvania's Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology market with a net price of just $9,837, creating a $5,000+ gap between it and the next most affordable option. The state's 17 programs span from this public university bargain to private colleges reaching $30,074, reflecting Pennsylvania's mixed approach to biological sciences education. East Stroudsburg University graduates earn $33,281 annually, positioning them well for Pennsylvania's growing environmental consulting sector that serves the state's major pharmaceutical companies like Merck and GSK. These companies increasingly need specialists who understand population genetics and ecosystem dynamics for drug development and environmental impact studies. Saint Francis University achieves a 72.8% graduation rate despite charging over twice Cheyney's cost, while schools like Keystone College offer middle-ground options at $21,461. The state's biotech corridor around Philadelphia creates natural career paths for ecology graduates, particularly those studying population biology applications in medical research.
17
Programs
$9,837 – $30,074
Net Price Range
$33,281
Avg. Program Earnings
61.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
3 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
4 $21,461 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
5 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
6 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
7 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
8 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
9 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
10 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
11 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
12 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
13 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
14 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
15 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
16 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
17 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cheyney University so much cheaper than other Pennsylvania ecology programs?

Cheyney University's public status allows it to offer ecology programs at just $9,837 net price, compared to the next cheapest option at $15,089. The university receives state funding that private institutions lack, creating substantial savings for students. However, Cheyney's 16.2% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support systems and program completion resources before enrollment.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable ecology programs in Pennsylvania?

Graduation rates span dramatically from Cheyney's 16.2% to Saint Francis University's 72.8%, even among the more affordable options. East Stroudsburg University maintains a solid 43.8% rate at $15,089, while Keystone College achieves 41.2% at $21,461. These differences often reflect institutional resources, student support services, and academic rigor rather than just program cost.

Does attending a more expensive ecology program guarantee better career outcomes?

East Stroudsburg University, the second-cheapest option at $15,089, reports graduate earnings of $33,281 with manageable debt of $18,500. This suggests that program affordability doesn't necessarily limit earning potential in ecology fields. Many factors including internship opportunities, research experience, and regional job markets influence post-graduation success more than tuition costs alone.

Where can ecology graduates find the best job opportunities in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's pharmaceutical corridor around Philadelphia offers strong opportunities for population biology and systematics graduates, with companies like Merck requiring environmental impact specialists. The state's healthcare sector, including UPMC, increasingly values graduates who understand ecosystem dynamics and population genetics. Environmental consulting firms supporting these major employers create additional career paths for ecology program graduates 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.