Analysis
Similar Biological and Physical Sciences programs in New York suggest first-year earnings around $36,362—squarely at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $34,380. For a student borrowing the estimated $26,120, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, which sits in manageable territory. Comparable programs at schools like CUNY Hunter College produce identical earnings, though graduates there typically carry less debt as a public institution.
The challenge with this program is that the earnings potential appears relatively modest for a field that often requires advanced degrees to unlock higher-paying roles. At Adelphi's private school tuition rates, families should carefully consider whether this bachelor's will serve as a terminal degree or a stepping stone to graduate school. If your child plans to continue their education, that $26,120 represents just the first layer of debt. If they're planning to enter the workforce directly, peer programs suggest they'll earn enough to manage the loan payments, but they won't have much cushion.
The fundamental question: does Adelphi's program offer enough distinctive value—research opportunities, faculty connections, graduate school placement—to justify private school costs when CUNY Hunter produces the same earnings outcome at a fraction of the price? Without program-specific data, that's a question only campus visits and conversations with current students can answer.
Where Adelphi University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biological and physical sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Biological and Physical Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (17 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,290 | $36,362* | — | $26,120* | — | |
| $63,612 | $39,296* | — | $27,000* | 0.69 | |
| $7,382 | $36,362* | $60,863 | $10,348* | 0.28 | |
| $61,992 | $29,958* | $58,912 | $24,250* | 0.81 | |
| National Median | — | $34,380* | — | $24,250* | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biological and physical sciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Adelphi University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.