Best Schools for Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences graduates earn a median of $51,858 within four years of graduating, ranking #237 out of 283 tracked majors — 17% below the median across all fields. There are 17 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 220 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Harvard University graduates earn $95,507 while Universidad del Sagrado Corazon graduates earn $23,655 — a $71,852 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Schools

$51,858

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#237

of 283 Majors

220

Graduates

Public vs Private: Natural Sciences

Public (7 schools)

$51,333

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (10 schools)

$52,091

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $758 more in early earnings on average for Natural Sciences graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Natural Sciences by State

Top Natural Sciences Schools by Graduate Earnings

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private

$95,507

4yr Earnings

19 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 3.5%

Daemen University

Amherst, NY · Private

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

Dominican University

River Forest, IL · Private

$56,555

4yr Earnings

26 grads · small sample

2yr: $35,416 (29)

1yr: $29,252 (29)

Acceptance: 79.8%

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$56,124

4yr Earnings

27 grads · small sample

1yr: $21,994 (26)

Acceptance: 40.3%

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$55,102

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 93.7%

Logan University

Chesterfield, MO · Private

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

Cayey, PR · Public

University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

San Juan, PR · Public

$39,675

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 53.2%

#10

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, PA · Private

$38,323

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN · Private

$36,429

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

2yr: $20,824 (20)

Acceptance: 88.4%

#12

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

San Juan, PR · Private

$36,327

4yr Earnings

26 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 66.4%

#13

Universidad del Sagrado Corazon

Santurce, PR · Private

$23,655

4yr Earnings

20 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 53.4%

#14

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA · Public

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public

Felician University

Lodi, NJ · Private

$19,227

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 94.0%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Philosophy $29,372 Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General $29,202 Psychology, General $29,179 Physical Sciences, Other $29,116 Sociology and Anthropology $29,022 English Language and Literature, General $28,967

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Natural Sciences?

Harvard University ranks #1 for Natural Sciences with median graduate earnings of $95,507 within four years of graduating. There are 17 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Natural Sciences graduates earn?

Natural Sciences graduates earn an average of $51,858 within four years of graduating. This is 17% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $23,655 to $95,507 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Natural Sciences program?

The average acceptance rate across Natural Sciences programs is 72.1%. The most selective program is at Harvard University with a 3.5% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Natural Sciences?

Private Natural Sciences programs average $52,091 in early earnings vs $51,333 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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