Cheapest Physical Sciences Colleges in Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University commands a 92.5% graduation rate for Physical Sciences students, yet Lincoln University delivers the same education for just $12,912 annually. This $31,759 cost difference reflects Pennsylvania's stark divide between elite private institutions and accessible public options. The state's pharmaceutical giants like GSK and Merck create strong demand for physics and chemistry graduates, while UPMC's research facilities offer additional career pathways for science majors.

Programs

$12,912 – $44,876

Net Price Range

$33,281

Avg. Program Earnings

69.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Physical Sciences Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Lincoln University Lincoln University, Pennsylvania	$12,912	$12,512	52.1%	80.6%
2	University of Pittsburgh-Bradford Bradford, Pennsylvania	$16,630	$14,620	43.4%	93.6%
3	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, Pennsylvania	$17,216	$11,380	52.4%	91.9%
4	Allegheny College Meadville, Pennsylvania	$21,900	$54,960	66.5%	69.7%
5	Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania	$27,700	$42,286	60.3%	94.1%
6	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074	$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
7	Muhlenberg College Allentown, Pennsylvania	$30,314	$60,240	80.2%	65.5%
8	Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$31,671	$63,829	92.5%	11.3%
9	Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania	$44,876	$64,701	92.4%	23.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Lincoln University charges $12,912 while Villanova costs $44,876, creating a $31,964 difference primarily due to institutional type. Public universities like Lincoln receive state funding that subsidizes tuition, while private colleges depend on tuition revenue and endowment income.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania's most affordable Physical Sciences programs?

The top performers achieve 84.3% to 92.5% graduation rates at Pitt-Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon respectively. However, more affordable options like Pitt-Bradford graduate just 43.4% of students, while Lincoln University maintains a solid 52.1% rate despite its low cost.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee better career outcomes?

Villanova graduates earn $33,281 despite paying $44,876 in net costs, while students at much cheaper schools can access the same regional job market. Pennsylvania's pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors hire based on skills rather than institutional prestige.

More Physical Sciences Rankings

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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.