Best Schools for Biological and Physical Sciences

Biological and Physical Sciences graduates earn a median of $30,935 within two years of graduation, ranking #208 out of 292 tracked majors — 13% below the median across all fields. There are 29 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 1,379 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Thomas Edison State University graduates earn $50,856 while Western Washington University graduates earn $16,874 — a $33,982 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Biological and Physical Sciences graduates see an average 4% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

29
Schools
$30,935
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#208
of 292 Majors
1,379
Graduates

Public vs Private: Biological and Physical Sciences

Public (20 schools)
$30,017
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (6 schools)
$29,051
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools produce comparable or higher early earnings for Biological and Physical Sciences, often at lower tuition — making them strong value options for this major.

Biological and Physical Sciences by State

Top Biological and Physical Sciences Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
T

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, NJ ·

$50,856
2yr Earnings
1yr: $49,000
Grads: 86
Acceptance: N/A
#2
E

Empire State University

Saratoga Springs, NY ·

$45,852
2yr Earnings
1yr: $52,259
Grads: 125
Acceptance: N/A
#3
U

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private

$40,485
2yr Earnings
1yr: $40,806
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 12.4%
#4
U

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public

$39,909
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.4%
#5
U

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.1%
#6
G

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public

$35,996
2yr Earnings
1yr: $38,369
Grads: 46
Acceptance: 94.7%
#7
U

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr: $36,725
Grads: 54
Acceptance: 90.6%
#8
I

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, PA · Public

$33,459
2yr Earnings
1yr: $25,473
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 91.2%
#9
W

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr: $34,602
Grads: 34
Acceptance: 85.4%
#10
C

CUNY Hunter College

New York, NY · Public

$33,138
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,569
Grads: 29
Acceptance: 54.0%
#11
U

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR · Public

$32,391
2yr Earnings
1yr: $29,003
Grads: 64
Acceptance: 85.1%
#12
V

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$32,245
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,313
Grads: 100
Acceptance: 93.1%
#13
S

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public

$30,771
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#14
U

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr: $34,176
Grads: 29
Acceptance: 66.5%
#15
S

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr: $30,923
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 78.3%
#16
F

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

Teaneck, NJ · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr: $29,468
Grads: 17
Acceptance: 95.9%
#17
U

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL · Public

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr: $48,251
Grads: 19
Acceptance: 41.0%
#18
M

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN · Public

$28,236
2yr Earnings
1yr: $24,501
Grads: 21
Acceptance: 68.0%
#19
G

Georgetown University

Washington, DC · Private

$27,476
2yr Earnings
1yr: $14,165
Grads: 16
Acceptance: 13.1%
#20
P

Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public

$27,301
2yr Earnings
1yr: $32,021
Grads: 106
Acceptance: 90.9%
#21
U

University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

Greensburg, PA · Public

$26,519
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,816
Grads: 89
Acceptance: 97.9%
#22
U

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Johnstown, PA · Public

$26,519
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,816
Grads: 89
Acceptance: 95.9%
#23
U

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public

$26,519
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,816
Grads: 89
Acceptance: 49.7%
#24
P

Philander Smith University

Little Rock, AR ·

$25,774
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#25
W

Whitworth University

Spokane, WA · Private

$25,194
2yr Earnings
1yr: $24,842
Grads: 53
Acceptance: 86.8%
#26
T

The Evergreen State College

Olympia, WA · Public

$24,730
2yr Earnings
1yr: $25,468
Grads: 159
Acceptance: 97.2%
#27
F

Fordham University

Bronx, NY · Private

$21,781
2yr Earnings
1yr: $27,141
Grads: 42
Acceptance: 56.3%
#28
U

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public

$21,166
2yr Earnings
1yr: $12,715
Grads: 40
Acceptance: 37.2%
#29
W

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

$16,874
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 91.3%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Biological and Physical Sciences?
Thomas Edison State University ranks #1 for Biological and Physical Sciences with median graduate earnings of $50,856 within two years. There are 29 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Biological and Physical Sciences graduates earn?
Biological and Physical Sciences graduates earn an average of $30,935 within two years of graduation. This is 13% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $16,874 to $50,856 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Biological and Physical Sciences program?
The average acceptance rate across Biological and Physical Sciences programs is 74.3%. The most selective program is at University of Notre Dame with a 12.4% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Biological and Physical Sciences?
Private Biological and Physical Sciences programs average $29,051 in early earnings vs $30,017 at public schools. Public schools offer competitive earnings at typically lower cost, making them strong value options.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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