Skip to main content

Biochemistry Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

CUNY City College delivers biochemistry education at just $3,486 net cost, making it the most affordable option among the nation's budget-friendly molecular biology programs. This dramatic cost advantage reflects the broader market where public institutions dominate affordable science education, with 13 of the 15 lowest-cost programs housed at state universities. California leads with seven programs under $8,000, while earnings data reveals significant variation from Cal State LA graduates earning $21,964 to Cal State San Bernardino alumni reaching $39,648 annually. The biochemistry field connects directly to the nation's $186 billion pharmaceutical industry, which employs over 300,000 scientists across research facilities, biotech startups, and medical device companies. Eastern New Mexico University stands out with a selective 27.55% acceptance rate despite its $6,199 cost, contrasting sharply with more accessible programs like Cal State Fresno at 95.43% acceptance. These programs prepare students for careers in drug development, genetic research, and medical diagnostics, where entry-level positions typically require strong laboratory skills and research experience gained through undergraduate programs.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $11,729
Net Price Range
$32,253
Avg. Program Earnings
51.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
4 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
5 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
6 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
8 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
9 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
10 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
11 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
12 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
13 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
14 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
15 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
16 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
17 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
18 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
19 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
20 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
21 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
22 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
23 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
24 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
25 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
26 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
27 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
28 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
29 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
30 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
31 $10,555 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
32 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
33 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
34 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
35 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
36 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
37 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
38 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
39 $10,988 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
40 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
41 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
42 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
43 $11,276 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
44 $11,289 $4,305 33.5%
45 $11,401 $8,280 37.7%
46 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
47 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
48 $11,513 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
49 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
50 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College's biochemistry program so affordable compared to other options?

CUNY City College offers the lowest net cost at $3,486 annually, benefiting from New York State's substantial funding for public higher education. The program maintains a 54.70% graduation rate while keeping costs minimal through state subsidies and need-based aid. This represents nearly half the cost of the next most affordable option at Cal State Dominguez Hills ($3,659). The 66.60% acceptance rate ensures accessibility without compromising academic standards.

How do earnings vary among graduates from these affordable biochemistry programs?

Graduate earnings show an $18,000 spread, from $21,964 at Cal State LA to $39,648 at Cal State San Bernardino. Cal State Fullerton graduates earn $38,937 annually, demonstrating that program cost doesn't directly correlate with earning potential. These figures reflect regional job markets, with California's biotech industry offering varying compensation levels. Most graduates enter research assistant or laboratory technician roles before advancing to higher-paying positions.

Is Brigham Young University-Idaho's private status worth considering for biochemistry studies?

BYU-Idaho charges $7,131 net cost while maintaining a 55.10% graduation rate, positioning it competitively among public alternatives. The private nonprofit structure allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized research opportunities in molecular biology. However, students save approximately $4,000 annually by choosing public options like CUNY City College. The 95.56% acceptance rate makes BYU-Idaho highly accessible despite its private status.

Where do most affordable biochemistry programs cluster geographically?

California dominates with seven programs, leveraging the state's massive public university system and biotech industry connections. New York contributes two CUNY campuses, while Indiana and New Mexico each offer two options. This geographic concentration reflects state investment in science education and proximity to pharmaceutical companies. California's Central Valley and Los Angeles areas particularly benefit from agricultural biotechnology and medical device manufacturing.

Does program selectivity indicate quality in affordable biochemistry education?

Eastern New Mexico University maintains the lowest acceptance rate at 27.55% while charging just $6,199, suggesting high academic standards without premium pricing. Most California State programs accept over 85% of applicants, reflecting their mission to provide accessible education. Graduation rates vary from 31.10% at Universidad Ana G. Mendez to 69.20% at Cal State Fullerton. These metrics indicate that affordable doesn't mean easy, with rigorous coursework maintaining academic integrity across price points.

More Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Rankings

Cheapest Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Related

All Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.