Skip to main content

Best Value Biology Colleges

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

St Petersburg College stands out with a negative net price of $52, meaning students actually receive more in financial aid than the total cost of attendance for their biology program. This strong value contrasts sharply with other affordable options like CUNY Hunter College at $2,446 net cost, which maintains a strong 61% graduation rate. The earnings potential varies significantly across these programs, from $20,140 at some institutions to $41,193 at Indian River State College in Florida. Biology graduates in this price range often find opportunities in Florida's growing biotechnology sector, which has expanded rapidly due to the state's aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. The data reveals that community colleges and regional state universities dominate the most affordable biology programs, with California State University and CUNY system schools offering particularly strong value propositions. Students can access quality biological education for under $8,000 annually while preparing for careers in research, healthcare, and environmental science.
50
Programs
$-52 – $11,276
Net Price Range
$30,739
Avg. Program Earnings
45.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $33,565 $2,682 37.5%
2 $2,446 $26,353 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $27,947 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $4,734 $39,009 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
5 $5,202 $41,193 $2,764 42.5%
6 $4,113 $32,391 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
7 $3,061 $23,803 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $3,482 $26,585 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
9 $2,760 $21,052 $2,878 32.4%
10 $3,659 $26,739 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
11 $6,007 $38,289 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
12 $4,694 $29,685 $3,283 29.6%
13 $3,830 $23,649 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
14 $5,881 $36,069 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
15 $5,671 $34,603 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
16 $3,486 $20,140 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
17 $5,458 $30,409 $3,148 26.8%
18 $7,168 $34,526 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
19 $5,825 $27,874 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
20 $4,483 $20,687 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
21 $9,144 $41,565 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
22 $8,463 $37,568 $6,270 40.7%
23 $8,624 $36,674 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
24 $9,477 $40,281 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
25 $6,061 $25,658 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
26 $6,500 $27,346 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
27 $6,199 $25,967 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
28 $8,918 $36,992 $3,475 17.3% 93.3%
29 $7,131 $28,719 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
30 $7,237 $29,141 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
31 $8,364 $33,637 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
32 $9,121 $36,668 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
33 $6,480 $25,967 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
34 $5,918 $23,029 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
35 $4,702 $17,745 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
36 $8,837 $32,925 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
37 $11,276 $41,261 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
38 $10,145 $36,848 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
39 $7,360 $26,585 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
40 $7,557 $27,295 $7,922 26.1%
41 $8,130 $28,598 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
42 $8,001 $28,115 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
43 $8,257 $28,960 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
44 $9,173 $31,581 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
45 $9,792 $33,382 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
46 $10,550 $35,600 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
47 $7,599 $25,194 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
48 $10,988 $36,131 $10,986 46.2% 87.5%
49 $8,916 $28,960 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
50 $10,512 $33,993 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the negative net price at St Petersburg College's biology program?

St Petersburg College offers such substantial financial aid that students receive $52 more than the program costs. This occurs when federal and state grants, along with institutional aid, exceed tuition and fees. The college's in-state tuition of $2,682 combined with generous aid packages creates this unusual situation. However, the 37.50% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider completion factors alongside cost.

How do CUNY schools compare for biology value?

CUNY offers four biology programs with net costs between $2,446 and $5,881, all maintaining relatively low debt levels. Hunter College leads with a 61% graduation rate and $26,353 median earnings at $2,446 net cost. Queens College achieves a 60.20% graduation rate with slightly higher costs at $3,830. Brooklyn College falls in the middle with 56.60% graduation rate and $27,947 earnings.

Is the earnings gap significant among these affordable biology programs?

The earnings range spans from $20,140 to $41,193, representing more than a 100% difference between the highest and lowest outcomes. Indian River State College graduates earn $41,193 despite relatively low costs, while some programs show earnings below $25,000. This $21,000+ gap reflects varying regional job markets, program quality, and graduate career paths. Students should weigh both cost and earning potential when choosing programs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in these biology programs?

The data shows no clear correlation between cost and graduation rates among these affordable options. CUNY Hunter College achieves 61% graduation at just $2,446 net cost, while more expensive programs like Coppin State University at $6,007 net cost graduate only 25.60% of students. California State University-Stanislaus demonstrates that mid-range costs of $5,671 can support strong 58% graduation rates. Success depends more on institutional support than price alone.

Where do biology graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment?

Graduates from these programs often enter healthcare support roles, environmental consulting, and research assistance positions in their regional markets. Florida schools benefit from the state's growing biotech and healthcare sectors, while California programs connect to agricultural research and environmental science opportunities. CUNY graduates frequently work in New York's medical research institutions and pharmaceutical companies. Starting salaries between $20,000-$41,000 reflect entry-level positions with growth potential.

More Biology, General Rankings

Cheapest Biology, General Biology, General Under $20,000

Related

All Biology, General 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.