Skip to main content

Cheapest Natural Sciences Colleges

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

Oglala Lakota College stands out with the nation's lowest net cost for Natural Sciences at just $2,065 annually, making quality education accessible in rural South Dakota. This dramatic affordability contrasts sharply with the typical college experience, where most programs fall between $4,000-$9,000 per year. California State University-Los Angeles follows at $4,113, demonstrating how public institutions can deliver value in major metropolitan areas. The West Coast job market offers particular strength for Natural Sciences graduates, with biotechnology and environmental science sectors driving demand across California's research corridors. Puerto Rican institutions claim seven spots among these affordable options, with Universidad Central de Bayamon charging $4,285 net cost while maintaining a solid 37.90% graduation rate. American Public University System rounds out the top 15 at $9,104, showing how online delivery models can reduce costs. The earning potential remains consistent at $20,824 across programs, suggesting that affordable education doesn't compromise career prospects. Students can access quality Natural Sciences training without the crushing debt loads that plague higher education, particularly in regions where federal and state funding supports educational accessibility.
50
Programs
$2,065 – $20,332
Net Price Range
$28,367
Avg. Program Earnings
51.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Natural Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
2 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
3 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
4 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
5 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
8 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
9 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
10 $8,543 $9,000 36.3% 56.3%
11 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
12 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
13 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
14 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
15 $9,104 $8,400 53.2%
16 $9,148 $5,354 48.6% 49.3%
17 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
18 $12,063 $7,838 41.6% 84.2%
19 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
20 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
21 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
22 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
23 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
24 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
25 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
26 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
27 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
28 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
29 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
30 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
31 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
32 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
33 $16,286 $24,044 37.1% 97.5%
34 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
35 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
36 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
37 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
38 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
39 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
40 $18,045 $12,606 56.4% 94.0%
41 $18,094 $9,000 81.8%
42 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
43 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
44 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
45 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
46 $19,920 $42,740 57.1% 88.9%
47 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
48 $20,129 $21,600 37.4% 57.3%
49 $20,218 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
50 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oglala Lakota College so affordable for Natural Sciences students?

Oglala Lakota College offers the lowest net cost at $2,065 due to its tribal college status and federal funding support. The college serves Native American communities with significant financial aid packages that reduce actual costs below published tuition rates. Its 11.50% graduation rate reflects the unique challenges of serving students in remote areas of South Dakota. The institution focuses on culturally relevant science education that connects traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.

How do Puerto Rican universities keep Natural Sciences costs low?

Seven Puerto Rican institutions appear on this list with net costs ranging from $4,285 to $8,964. These schools benefit from commonwealth funding structures that subsidize education for residents. Universidad Central de Bayamon maintains a 37.90% graduation rate while charging just $4,285 net cost. The University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras offers the strongest combination of affordability and outcomes with a 52.50% graduation rate at $6,507 net cost.

Is the $20,824 earning potential realistic for Natural Sciences graduates?

The consistent $20,824 earning figure across these affordable programs represents entry-level positions in laboratory support, research assistance, and environmental monitoring roles. This salary reflects starting wages rather than career peaks in Natural Sciences fields. Many graduates use these programs as stepping stones to advanced degrees that significantly increase earning potential. The affordability of these undergraduate programs allows students to minimize debt before pursuing specialized training.

Does attending a cheaper Natural Sciences program affect career prospects?

Graduation rates among these affordable programs range from 11.50% to 53.20%, indicating varied student success levels. California State University-Los Angeles and American Public University System both exceed 50% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs. The key factor is completing the degree rather than the institution's price point. Employers in Natural Sciences fields typically value practical skills and knowledge over institutional prestige.

Where can students find the best value among these affordable options?

California State University-Los Angeles offers strong value with a 52.60% graduation rate and $4,113 net cost in a major job market. The University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras provides strong academics at $6,507 with a 52.50% graduation rate. California State University-Bakersfield delivers good outcomes at $5,825 with a 49.30% graduation rate. These three schools combine reasonable costs with solid completion rates and access to research opportunities.

More Natural Sciences Rankings

Best Value Natural Sciences Natural Sciences Under $20,000

Related

All Natural Sciences Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.