Biological & Physical Sciencesat Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Graduates earn $25,311/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Biological & Physical Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $785K; scenarios range from $720K to $806K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at IUP
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.
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 IUP'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 Biological & Physical Sciences
How IUP stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at IUP
Other highest-scoring programs offered at IUP, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biological & Physical Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biological & Physical Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biological & Physical Sciences at IUP
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.