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

Indiana, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences
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

Program Analysis

Studying Biological and Physical Sciences at IUP provides a solid foundational understanding, but its outcomes reflect the regional labor market and common career trajectories for broad science degrees. Western Pennsylvania isn't a major hub for high-paying biotech or pharmaceutical research, so many graduates often find fulfilling roles in secondary education, local government agencies, or entry-level lab technician positions within the region. These vital public service and support roles typically offer different salary growth curves compared to highly specialized private sector R&D. The program excels at building a versatile scientific background, but it's less directly aligned with immediate high-earning industry pipelines. If strong earning potential is your primary goal, proactively seek out internships in specific industries or plan for graduate studies or professional certifications early in your academic journey to specialize your skills and open doors to higher-paying careers.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological & 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

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

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 & Physical Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological & Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biological & 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 & 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 →