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Biological and Physical Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,311/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)
ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (12.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $806K $785K $720K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.7x 17.3x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.4x 12.0x 11.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,520
Out-of-state: $65,188 (12.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,864
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
12.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,560
187% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus's Biological and Physical Sciences graduates start at $25,311/yr, trailing the $36,628 national average by 31%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 17.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological and Physical Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #14 ranking among 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs places Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,311-to-$72,560 earnings arc over five years reflects a 187% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

A 91% acceptance rate means Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, serving 6,893 students in Indiana, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 26 schools offering Biological and Physical Sciences →

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

University of Notre Dame ($75,418) Thomas Edison State University ($69,480) Washington State University ($46,288) Grand Valley State University ($44,525) Indiana University-Kokomo ($41,561) Bard College ($39,296) University of Oregon ($38,285) Portland State University ($37,419)

Other Majors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($68,996) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,936) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($54,823) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($54,561) Management Information Systems and Services ($53,846) Accounting and Related Services ($49,454) Finance and Financial Management Services ($47,912) Economics ($46,860)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biological and Physical Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biological and Physical Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological and Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biological and Physical Sciences degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus a good choice for Biological and Physical Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →