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Cheapest Science Colleges

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

Stanford University's Science, Technology and Society program costs $12,136 annually after aid, proving that even elite private education can compete with public schools on affordability. The 20 most affordable programs range from Farmingdale State College's $9,173 to $20,071, with public institutions dominating the list through generous in-state tuition rates. California leads this field with three schools represented, reflecting the state's tech industry demand for professionals who understand both scientific innovation and social impact. Graduates from these programs earn between $37,363 and $80,779, with Stanford alumni commanding the highest salaries despite the program's unexpected affordability. Georgia Institute of Technology offers another compelling option at $13,289 net cost, combining strong career outcomes with reasonable expenses. The field attracts students interested in bridging technical knowledge with policy analysis, particularly valuable as technology companies increasingly need professionals who can navigate regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations.
46
Programs
$9,173 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$52,496
Avg. Program Earnings
77.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Science, Technology and Society Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
2 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
3 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
4 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
5 $12,136 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
6 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
7 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
8 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
9 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
10 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
11 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
12 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
13 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
14 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
15 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
16 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
17 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
18 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
19 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
20 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
21 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
22 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
23 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
24 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
25 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
26 $23,939 $66,600 90.2% 7.6%
27 $26,572 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
28 $27,143 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
29 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
30 $27,888 $67,316 91.6% 14.4%
31 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
32 $30,557 $33,020 41.2% 87.1%
33 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
34 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
35 $32,337 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
36 $33,139 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
37 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
38 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
39 $36,037 $59,340 78.0% 77.7%
40 $38,182 $67,805 89.1% 18.7%
41 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
42 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
43 $38,920 $59,900 67.9% 82.7%
44 $39,433 $65,081 94.3% 12.2%
45 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
46 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stanford's Science, Technology and Society program surprisingly affordable?

Stanford's net cost of $12,136 reflects the university's substantial financial aid program that reduces the $62,484 sticker price by nearly 81%. The program maintains a 3.68% acceptance rate while graduates earn $80,779 annually, demonstrating that selective admissions and generous aid create strong value. Students receive need-based grants that make this elite education competitive with public school costs.

How do public universities dominate affordability in this field?

Public institutions occupy 13 of the 15 most affordable spots, with schools like Farmingdale State College charging just $8,576 for in-state students. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona offers particularly strong value at $7,439 in-state tuition with a 66.7% graduation rate. These schools leverage state funding to keep costs low while maintaining program quality.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in this field?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger completion rates, with Stanford achieving 92.8% graduation compared to Heritage University's 39.8% rate. Georgia Institute of Technology demonstrates this pattern with a $13,289 net cost and 92.3% graduation rate. However, some affordable options like University of California-Davis maintain 85.1% graduation rates while keeping costs at $15,288.

Where do Science, Technology and Society graduates find the best earning potential?

Stanford graduates command $80,779 annually, followed by Eastern Michigan University alumni at $58,673 despite the program's lower profile. North Carolina State University graduates earn $52,107 while paying just $16,931 net cost, creating strong return on investment. Georgia Tech alumni earn $41,565 with excellent job prospects in Atlanta's growing technology sector.

What regional advantages benefit Science, Technology and Society students?

California's three represented schools benefit from proximity to Silicon Valley companies seeking policy-minded technologists. Georgia Tech students access Atlanta's expanding fintech and cybersecurity industries that value interdisciplinary thinking. North Carolina State University graduates find opportunities in the Research Triangle's biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that need regulatory expertise.

More Science, Technology and Society Rankings

Best Value Science, Technology and Society Science, Technology and Society Under $20,000

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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.