Natural Sciences at Temple University

Temple University's Natural Sciences program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning $45,910 in their first year—34% more than the Pennsylvania median and 50% above the national average. Among PA's eight natural sciences programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, making it a standout option for in-state students. The $31,000 debt load is reasonable for these earnings, translating to a 0.68 debt-to-income ratio that's far below concerning levels.

The trajectory looks solid too: graduates see earnings climb to $50,706 by year four, a 10% gain that suggests these degrees open doors beyond entry-level positions. That's particularly notable in a field where some programs plateau quickly. The combination of strong starting salaries and manageable debt makes this program more financially viable than most natural sciences degrees, which often struggle to justify their cost.

The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the data. While the numbers are impressive, they may not fully represent every student's experience. Still, the pattern is clear: Temple delivers substantially better outcomes than most competitors in both Pennsylvania and nationally, making it worth serious consideration for students interested in natural sciences who want to minimize financial risk.