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Natural Sciences at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,252/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,400 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #10 of 11 Natural Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $549K $547K $524K
Earnings Multiple 5.7x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 77% 74% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$95,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,064
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
14.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,500
104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,252 per year, Natural Sciences graduates from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology earn below the $31,645 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 5.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Natural Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #10 ranking among 11 Natural Sciences programs places Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,252-to-$45,500 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

With 82% of applicants admitted, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 650 students in Harrisburg, PA. Pell Grant recipients make up 48% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $55,064 — 42% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Physical scientists, all other $117,960/yr
Life scientists, all other $87,800/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 11 schools offering Natural Sciences →

Natural Sciences at Other Schools

Harvard University ($69,242) Temple University ($45,910) California State University-Los Angeles ($39,870) Loyola Marymount University ($33,647) Christian Brothers University ($33,145) Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro ($30,631) Kansas State University ($28,107) Dominican University ($27,081)

Other Majors at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($47,944)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Natural 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 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Natural Sciences at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Natural Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Natural Sciences degree from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Harrisburg University of Science and Technology a good choice for Natural Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Harrisburg University of Science and Technology'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 →