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Best Value Biology Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College delivers the most striking value proposition for biology students in Florida, with a negative net cost of $52 that essentially pays students to attend. This remarkable figure stands in sharp contrast to private institutions like Saint Leo University, where students face net costs reaching $18,467. Florida's thriving healthcare sector, which employs thousands of medical laboratory technicians and research specialists across major hospital systems from Miami to Jacksonville, creates strong demand for biology graduates. The state's 15 programs span from community colleges producing skilled laboratory workers to research universities preparing future physicians. Earnings potential varies dramatically, with Indian River State College graduates commanding $41,193 annually while University of Florida graduates average just $17,745. The disparity reflects different career paths within biology, from clinical laboratory science to research positions. Florida's Bright Futures scholarship program significantly reduces costs for qualifying students, making even flagship universities accessible. With no state income tax, biology graduates retain more of their earnings compared to other states, improving long-term financial outcomes regardless of starting salary.
38
Programs
$-52 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$24,768
Avg. Program Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 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 $5,202 $41,193 $2,764 42.5%
3 $2,760 $21,052 $2,878 32.4%
4 $4,702 $17,745 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $8,001 $28,115 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
6 $10,353 $32,186 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
7 $8,155 $25,194 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
8 $6,351 $17,745 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
9 $10,319 $27,048 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
10 $10,043 $24,863 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
11 $9,133 $19,479 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
12 $10,997 $23,036 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
13 $10,650 $19,979 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
14 $15,847 $26,643 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
15 $18,467 $29,685 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
16 $22,978 $31,314 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
17 $23,655 $29,250 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
18 $24,275 $25,194 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
19 $21,318 $21,052 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
20 $29,664 $26,353 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
21 $35,634 $30,409 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
22 $35,300 $24,615 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
23 $33,847 $23,579 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
24 $33,011 $22,268 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
25 $32,751 $21,964 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
26 $31,303 $18,896 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
27 $31,885 $17,375 $20,880 35.6% 33.7%
28 $36,803 $13,702 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
29 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
30 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
31 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
32 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
33 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
34 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
35 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
36 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
37 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%
38 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the negative net cost at St Petersburg College for biology students?

St Petersburg College offers a net cost of negative $52, meaning financial aid exceeds total attendance costs. This occurs when federal and state grants, including Pell Grants and Florida Student Assistance Grants, surpass the college's low $2,682 in-state tuition. The college serves many low-income students who qualify for maximum aid amounts. Students can actually receive refund checks to help with living expenses while earning their biology degree.

How do graduation rates correlate with net costs in Florida biology programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with University of Florida achieving 91.5% graduation despite its $6,351 net cost. Community colleges like St Petersburg College struggle with 37.5% graduation rates despite minimal costs. Florida State University balances both factors well, maintaining 83% graduation at $10,997 net cost. Students should weigh the higher upfront investment against improved completion odds when choosing programs.

Is the University of Florida worth choosing over its online counterpart for biology?

Both campuses charge similar amounts, with traditional UF at $6,351 net cost versus $4,702 for UF Online. However, traditional UF achieves a 91.5% graduation rate compared to 77.7% online, suggesting stronger student support systems. Laboratory access and research opportunities favor the traditional campus for biology students. The $1,649 cost difference becomes minimal when considering the 14-percentage-point graduation advantage.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality among Florida biology schools?

The most selective programs often produce the highest graduation rates, with University of Florida accepting just 23.35% of applicants and graduating 91.5%. Florida State University follows this pattern with 25.04% acceptance and 83% graduation. However, University of West Florida breaks this trend, accepting only 48.03% yet graduating 61.8% of biology students. Selectivity generally correlates with resources and student preparedness but exceptions exist.

Where do biology graduates earn the highest starting salaries in Florida?

Indian River State College leads with $41,193 average earnings, likely reflecting its medical laboratory technician programs serving coastal hospitals. St Petersburg College follows at $33,565, benefiting from Tampa Bay's medical corridor. University of North Florida graduates earn $32,186, supported by Jacksonville's healthcare sector. Surprisingly, University of Florida graduates start at just $17,745, possibly reflecting lower-paying research positions or graduate school enrollment.

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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.