Skip to main content

Best Value Biological and Biomedical Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

California State University-Bakersfield stands out with a net price of just $5,825, making it the most affordable option for Biological and Biomedical Sciences programs nationwide. This represents a stark contrast to Cornell University's $32,337 net cost, though Cornell graduates earn $38,505 compared to Bakersfield's $27,440. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the strongest return on investment, with graduates earning $66,541 annually while maintaining a reasonable $17,139 net price. Public universities dominate the value equation in this field, with most charging under $20,000 annually compared to private institutions that often exceed $30,000. The biomedical sector continues expanding across research hubs like Minneapolis and university towns, creating demand for specialized laboratory technicians, research coordinators, and clinical support staff. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Cornell's 95.1% to Methodist University's 40.1%, suggesting that institutional support plays a major role in student success within these technical programs.
50
Programs
$5,825 – $36,000
Net Price Range
$33,920
Avg. Program Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,825 $27,440 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
2 $17,139 $66,541 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
3 $15,201 $31,495 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
4 $15,342 $28,598 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
5 $23,027 $40,791 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
6 $21,200 $35,416 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
7 $7,455 $12,221 $5,354 50.6% 54.0%
8 $23,261 $34,348 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
9 $18,486 $26,997 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
10 $32,337 $38,505 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
11 $29,187 $30,771 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
12 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
13 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
14 $23,880 $34,050 49.7% 47.3%
15 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
16 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
17 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
18 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
19 $19,725 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
20 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
21 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
22 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
23 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
24 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
25 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
26 $36,000 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%
27 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
28 $13,208 $6,368 31.0% 82.5%
29 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
30 $9,657 $6,284 31.4% 93.2%
31 $8,142 $5,954 47.7% 76.8%
32 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
33 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
34 $19,428 $31,270 36.6% 75.3%
35 $35,506 $61,492 81.0% 47.7%
36 $24,820 $38,814 62.1% 90.7%
37 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
38 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
39 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
40 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
41 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
42 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
43 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
44 $19,155 $9,432 61.4% 99.5%
45 $32,697 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
46 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
47 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
48 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
49 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
50 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between different programs?

Graduate earnings range from $12,221 at University of Puerto Rico at Ponce to $66,541 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Geographic location significantly impacts salary potential, with major research centers offering higher compensation. The University of Minnesota benefits from proximity to medical device companies and pharmaceutical research facilities. Regional cost of living also affects these figures, as Puerto Rico's lower expenses partially offset the reduced earning potential.

How do public universities compare to private institutions for value?

Public universities consistently offer better value in this field, with most charging net prices under $20,000 annually. California State University-Bakersfield leads at $5,825, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign charges $15,201 for top-tier research opportunities. Private institutions like Russell Sage College charge $23,027 but offer more personalized attention with smaller class sizes. Cornell represents the premium private option at $32,337, justified by its 95.1% graduation rate and extensive research facilities.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality?

Cornell's highly selective 7.47% acceptance rate corresponds with the highest graduation rate at 95.1% and strong earning potential of $38,505. However, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 74.91% of applicants while producing the highest-earning graduates at $66,541 annually. More accessible programs like University of New Hampshire accept 86.99% of students and maintain a solid 76.4% graduation rate. Selectivity often reflects institutional resources rather than program outcomes alone.

Where do graduates find the best job opportunities?

Minnesota graduates lead in earnings at $66,541, benefiting from the Twin Cities' concentration of medical technology companies like Medtronic and 3M's healthcare division. Illinois graduates earn $31,495, supported by Chicago's pharmaceutical sector and university research partnerships. Regional biotech clusters in areas like North Carolina's Research Triangle and California's Bay Area create additional opportunities. Government laboratories and agricultural research facilities provide stable employment across various geographic regions.

What debt levels should students expect from these programs?

Student debt varies dramatically, from University of Puerto Rico at Ponce's modest $5,500 to Springfield College's $27,000 average. Cornell graduates carry surprisingly low debt at $13,210 despite the high sticker price, reflecting generous financial aid. Public universities typically generate debt levels between $17,000-$22,000, making them financially manageable for most families. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains favorable across most programs, with graduates earning enough to manage typical repayment schedules.

More Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Rankings

Cheapest Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Under $20,000

Related

All Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other 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.