Natural Sciences.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Natural Sciences.: The DTI for this program is 75.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Natural Sciences., compare your expected starting salary (currently $25744) to the average debt ($19512) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Natural Sciences.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 75.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Natural Sciences., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($25744) against the typical student debt ($19512), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Natural Sciences. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $25744, and with an average debt of $19512, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.76—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 2275 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Natural Sciences. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Natural Sciences (CIP 30.1801) is an interdisciplinary degree focused on understanding the fundamental laws of the natural world through scientific observation, experimentation, and analysis. It integrates core concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and related disciplines to provide a broad yet rigorous foundation in scientific thinking. Rather than training students narrowly in one laboratory science, this program is designed for those who want a flexible, integrative science education that can adapt to multiple career paths and emerging scientific fields.
For a degree search site, Natural Sciences is well suited to students who are curious about how nature works at many levels—from atoms and molecules to ecosystems and planetary systems. It appeals to individuals who enjoy experimentation, data analysis, and problem-solving, and who want the freedom to customize their studies while maintaining strong scientific credibility. This degree is especially valuable for students considering careers in research, healthcare, education, environmental science, science communication, or graduate and professional school.
What Is a Natural Sciences Degree?
A Natural Sciences degree is a broad interdisciplinary program that combines multiple scientific disciplines into a single cohesive curriculum. Students typically complete foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and sometimes earth or environmental sciences, followed by upper-division electives that allow for concentration or thematic focus.
Universities offer Natural Sciences programs to:
- Provide a strong, adaptable scientific foundation rather than narrow specialization
- Support students planning for medical, dental, or other health professional schools
- Prepare graduates for scientific research or laboratory-based roles
- Allow students to tailor their education to interdisciplinary or emerging science areas
This degree is often chosen by students who want scientific depth without committing early to a single discipline.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how scientists observe, test, and explain natural phenomena. You’ll develop a unified understanding of how physical, chemical, and biological systems interact, along with the quantitative skills needed to analyze scientific data.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Scientific reasoning—forming hypotheses and testing them systematically
- Laboratory techniques—conducting experiments safely and accurately
- Data analysis—interpreting experimental results using statistics
- Quantitative problem-solving—applying math to scientific questions
- Interdisciplinary thinking—connecting concepts across scientific fields
- Technical writing—documenting methods, results, and conclusions
- Critical evaluation—assessing the reliability of scientific evidence
- Collaboration—working effectively in lab and research teams
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Biology: cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology
- Chemistry: general, organic, and physical chemistry concepts
- Physics: mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and energy
- Earth and Environmental Science: geology, climate, and natural systems
- Mathematics: calculus and statistics for scientific analysis
- Laboratory Methods: experimental design and instrumentation
- Interdisciplinary Science Courses: integrated topics spanning multiple sciences
- Research or Capstone Projects: independent or team-based investigation
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Natural Sciences degree prepares students for a wide range of entry-level scientific and technical roles, as well as further education. Career outcomes depend on chosen electives, concentrations, and internships.
Common career paths include:
- Laboratory Technician: assisting with experiments and data collection
- Research Assistant: supporting scientific studies in academic or industrial labs
- Environmental Scientist (entry-level): monitoring and analyzing environmental data
- Quality Control or Quality Assurance Technician: testing products and materials
- Science Educator or Teaching Assistant: supporting science instruction
- Healthcare or Professional School Path: preparing for medical, dental, or allied health careers
- Graduate School Path: pursuing advanced scientific specialization
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings where scientific knowledge is applied:
- Research laboratories (academic, government, or private)
- Healthcare and clinical settings
- Environmental and conservation organizations
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Government agencies
- Science education and outreach organizations
- Industrial and manufacturing laboratories
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary depending on specialization, location, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level lab or research roles: often $40,000–$60,000
- Environmental or quality control roles: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Mid-level scientific professionals: often $65,000–$90,000
- Advanced-degree scientists: can earn significantly more
Professional or graduate education increases long-term earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Natural Sciences is considered moderately to highly challenging, depending on course selection. Students must be comfortable with math, lab work, and scientific problem-solving across multiple disciplines. Time management is important due to the workload from labs and projects.
However, students who enjoy experimentation and discovery often find the rigor engaging and rewarding.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy multiple science subjects and don’t want to choose just one
- Like hands-on laboratory and field work
- Are considering healthcare, research, or graduate school
- Want flexibility to adapt to changing scientific interests
- Prefer evidence-based understanding of the natural world
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a Natural Sciences program:
- Take biology, chemistry, and physics courses
- Build strong math skills through algebra, trigonometry, and calculus
- Participate in science labs, fairs, or research programs
- Practice scientific writing and data analysis
- Explore different science fields to identify interests
Natural Sciences (CIP 30.1801) is a versatile degree for students who want a broad, rigorous understanding of the physical and biological world. It provides a strong scientific foundation that supports diverse careers and advanced study in an increasingly science-driven society.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor