Best Forensic Science Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)

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Pennsylvania Forensic Science At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Forensic Science Salary$81,543
Salary OutlookPennsylvania offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online forensic science degree in Pennsylvania offers a flexible path into forensic science careers. Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Pennsylvania students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Forensic Science Schools in Pennsylvania

The following schools offer accredited online forensic science programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Pennsylvania.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

University of Scranton

Scranton, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
72.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 78%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $74,652
Avg net price $32,568/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 86%
  • Programs offered: 75

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
71.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 79%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $74,742
Avg net price $37,730/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 108

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
70.4 BOC Score
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $77,449
Avg net price $28,928/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 82%
  • Programs offered: 81

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
62.5 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 61%
Graduation rate 86%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,435
Avg net price $32,875/yr
Tuition
In‑state$20,644
Out‑of‑state$41,790
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 92%
  • Programs offered: 214

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Bradford, PA
  • 4 year
42.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 43%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $66,125
Avg net price $15,350/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 63%
  • Programs offered: 31

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Schuylkill

Schuylkill Haven, PA
  • 4 year
40.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 26%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,435
Avg net price $19,659/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 80%
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Forensic Science professionals in Pennsylvania experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Forensic Science Technician$61,580
Detective and Criminal Investigator$97,580
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$85,470

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Forensic Science Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Pennsylvania offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Pennsylvania economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online forensic science programs in Pennsylvania accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Forensic Science pay in Pennsylvania compare to other states?

Pennsylvania offers competitive wages for forensic science professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Pennsylvania a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for forensic science in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Pennsylvania. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Forensic Science Programs by City in Pennsylvania

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Allentown · Altoona · Bethel Park · Bethlehem · Bloomsburg · Butler · Chambersburg · Chester · East Stroudsburg · Easton · Erie · Hanover · Harrisburg · Hazleton · Indiana · Johnstown · Lancaster · Lebanon · Lewistown · Meadville · Milton · Monessen · Monroeville · Mount Pocono · Murrysville · New Castle · Norristown · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Plum · Pottstown · Pottsville · Reading · Scranton · Shamokin · State College · Sunbury · Uniontown · Waynesboro · Wilkes-Barre · Williamsport · York


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