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Biology Colleges Under $20,000

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

St Petersburg College students studying biology actually earn money their first year, with a net cost of negative $52 making it the most affordable program nationally. This extreme outlier highlights how financial aid can completely eliminate education costs at some institutions. The biology field employs over 100,000 workers across the United States, with particular growth in biotechnology companies and research facilities that value graduates from accessible programs. While most schools on this list charge between $1,000 and $5,000 net annually, the range extends dramatically to institutions like Berea College at $4,483 net despite a sticker price of $49,326. CUNY schools dominate the affordable options, with Hunter College graduates earning $26,353 annually while paying just $2,446 net. Biology students nationwide benefit from strong job security, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in life sciences occupations through 2032.
50
Programs
$-52 – $7,237
Net Price Range
$27,351
Avg. Program Earnings
42.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
3 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
4 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
5 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
6 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
7 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
9 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
10 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
11 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
12 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
13 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
14 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
15 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
16 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
17 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
18 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
19 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
20 $5,090 $3,105 14.3%
21 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
22 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
23 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
24 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
25 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
26 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
27 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
28 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
29 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
30 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
31 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
32 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
33 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
34 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
35 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
36 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
37 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
38 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
39 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
40 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
41 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
42 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
43 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
44 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
45 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
46 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
47 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
48 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
49 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
50 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's biology program cost negative $52?

Students receive more in financial aid than the actual cost of attendance, creating a net credit of $52. This occurs when federal and state grants exceed tuition, fees, and living expenses. The college serves as a gateway for biology students planning to transfer to four-year universities. Despite the negative cost, graduates earn $33,565 annually, demonstrating strong value.

How do CUNY schools compare for biology affordability?

Five CUNY campuses appear in the top 15 most affordable biology programs nationally. Hunter College leads with 61% graduation rates and $26,353 average earnings at $2,446 net cost. Baruch College achieves the highest graduation rate at 72.1% for $2,978 net annually. City College accepts 66.6% of applicants while maintaining competitive outcomes at $3,486 net cost.

Does Berea College justify its $4,483 net cost for biology?

Berea College provides strong value despite higher net costs, with a 62% graduation rate and highly selective 24.58% acceptance rate. The college's work-study program helps students graduate with minimal debt. While the sticker price reaches $49,326, substantial financial aid reduces actual costs significantly. Biology graduates benefit from small class sizes and research opportunities typically found at expensive private institutions.

What earning potential do affordable biology graduates achieve?

Biology graduates from affordable programs earn between $17,745 and $39,009 annually after graduation. California State University-Los Angeles leads earnings at $32,391 for just $4,113 net cost. St Petersburg College graduates earn $33,565 despite negative attendance costs. These figures reflect entry-level positions, with significant growth potential as graduates gain experience or pursue advanced degrees.

Where do the most affordable biology programs cluster geographically?

New York dominates with five CUNY campuses offering biology under $4,000 net annually. Florida contributes two highly affordable options including the nation's cheapest program. California and Texas each provide multiple affordable pathways through their state university systems. This geographic distribution ensures students nationwide can access quality biology education without excessive debt burdens.

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