Natural Sciencesat Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Graduates earn $22,252/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national Natural Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $547K; scenarios range from $524K to $549K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
This Natural Sciences program at Harrisburg University differentiates itself within a very niche national landscape. The relatively lower initial earnings reflect the regional labor market, which leans more towards government agencies, local healthcare systems, and educational roles rather than large-scale private sector research and development hubs. Many graduates may find opportunities with state environmental protection agencies, agricultural departments, or in quality control within smaller manufacturing or food science firms in the central Pennsylvania region.
The program's structure likely emphasizes foundational scientific principles, which often serve as a strong base for further specialization or graduate studies. To truly unlock the higher-earning career paths like research scientists or managers, you'll likely need to pursue advanced degrees. Consider researching the specific capstone projects, faculty research interests, and internship placements to understand where graduates *actually* land, and be prepared to leverage the program as a springboard for further academic or professional development.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Natural Sciences
How Harrisburg University of Science and Technology stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Natural Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Natural Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Natural Sciences at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
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.