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Best Value Biology Colleges in Alabama

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

The University of North Alabama delivers the strongest value proposition for biology students in Alabama with a net cost of just $11,024 and graduates earning $28,870 annually. This dramatic cost advantage over private options like Tuskegee University, which charges $32,977, creates nearly $22,000 in savings while maintaining competitive earning potential. Alabama's expanding biotechnology sector, anchored by research partnerships with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and growing pharmaceutical manufacturing, provides biology graduates with opportunities in aerospace medicine, environmental monitoring, and drug development. The state's 20 biology programs show remarkable cost variation, with public institutions ranging from UNA's budget-friendly option to Auburn's $23,897 net cost. Graduation rates span from 25.7% at Miles College to an impressive 79.2% at Auburn University, while post-graduation earnings fluctuate between $16,992 and $32,569. The University of Montevallo stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $32,569 despite a moderate $17,053 net cost. Alabama's public universities dominate the value equation, with 12 of the top 13 most affordable options being state institutions that leverage in-state tuition benefits and the Alabama Student Grant Program.
24
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$25,863
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $28,870 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $14,596 $29,685 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
3 $17,053 $32,569 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
4 $14,559 $26,353 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
5 $14,850 $25,194 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
6 $13,869 $21,660 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
7 $17,727 $27,222 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
8 $15,142 $22,896 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
9 $19,880 $25,967 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
10 $13,889 $16,992 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
11 $23,897 $27,048 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
12 $22,150 $24,267 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
13 $32,977 $27,497 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
14 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
15 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
16 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
17 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
18 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
19 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
20 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
21 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
22 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
23 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
24 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the top value for biology students?

UNA combines the lowest net cost at $11,024 with solid graduate earnings of $28,870, creating an strong return on investment. The 54% graduation rate aligns with the state average, while the 95.68% acceptance rate provides accessible entry. Students graduate with manageable debt of $20,205, well below the national average for biology programs.

How do Alabama's public and private biology programs compare in cost?

Public institutions average around $16,000 in net costs compared to Tuskegee University's $32,977 private price tag. In-state students benefit significantly, with schools like UAB charging just $8,832 for residents versus much higher out-of-state rates. The Alabama Student Grant Program further reduces costs for eligible in-state students pursuing biology degrees.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings in Alabama biology programs?

Auburn University demonstrates this connection clearly with a 79.2% graduation rate and $27,048 in graduate earnings. However, the University of Montevallo breaks this pattern, achieving the highest earnings at $32,569 with a 49.4% graduation rate. Alabama State University shows the challenge of lower graduation rates at 30.2% paired with the lowest earnings of $16,992.

Where do Alabama biology graduates find employment opportunities?

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville employs biologists for space medicine and life sciences research. The state's growing automotive sector, including Hyundai and other manufacturers, creates demand for environmental compliance specialists. Alabama's expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies also recruit biology graduates for research and quality control positions.

Is student debt manageable for Alabama biology graduates?

Most Alabama biology programs maintain reasonable debt levels, with the University of Alabama in Huntsville showing the lowest at $19,736. However, Alabama State University presents a concerning debt-to-earnings ratio with $31,000 in debt against $16,992 in earnings. Auburn University balances moderate debt of $23,250 with strong earning potential of $27,048.

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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.