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Natural Sciences at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $69,242/yr (119% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Medium (24,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #1 of 11 Natural Sciences programs Top 10%

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 $725K $715K $671K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 77% 74% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,264
72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,767
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $69,242 put Harvard University's Natural Sciences program 119% above the national median of $31,645 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 3.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $69,242 far exceeding the $25,767 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #1 ranking out of 11 Natural Sciences programs nationally puts Harvard University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

About Harvard University

Harvard University's 3% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard University →

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

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) Harrisburg University of Science and Technology ($22,252)

Other Majors at Harvard University

Computer Science ($152,251) Statistics ($141,116) Applied Mathematics ($114,279) Economics ($103,993) Political Science and Government ($61,543) Social Sciences, General ($56,540) History ($53,468) Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences ($51,569)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Natural Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Harvard University's Natural Sciences program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Natural Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How affordable is Natural Sciences at Harvard University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $236,304, but the average net cost is $67,264 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →