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Best Value Biology Colleges in Indiana

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

Indiana University-Southeast delivers the state's most affordable biology education at just $8,257 net cost, though graduates earn $28,960 annually. This creates an unusual situation where the cheapest option doesn't necessarily maximize long-term value. Wabash College represents the opposite extreme, with a $21,906 net cost producing the highest biology graduate earnings at $41,565. The gap between public and private costs runs wide, with public schools averaging under $14,000 while private institutions reach $25,000. Indiana's thriving pharmaceutical sector, anchored by Eli Lilly's Indianapolis headquarters, creates strong demand for biology graduates across research, quality control, and regulatory affairs roles. Purdue's main campus stands out with an 83.10% graduation rate despite moderate costs, while regional campuses offer accessibility with graduation rates around 35%. The state's 21st Century Scholars program can eliminate tuition barriers entirely for qualifying students, making even higher-cost programs accessible to Indiana residents.
42
Programs
$5,970 – $43,465
Net Price Range
$30,737
Avg. Program Earnings
58.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

42 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,364 $33,637 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
2 $8,257 $28,960 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
3 $11,408 $35,060 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
4 $12,621 $38,289 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
5 $8,463 $25,194 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
6 $12,188 $31,127 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
7 $13,945 $33,565 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
8 $11,513 $27,343 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
9 $20,361 $39,927 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
10 $15,342 $29,250 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
11 $21,906 $41,565 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
12 $15,898 $29,685 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
13 $18,748 $30,119 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
14 $24,546 $38,289 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
15 $25,580 $34,704 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
16 $21,583 $28,236 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
17 $22,762 $24,421 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
18 $27,823 $28,212 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
19 $24,516 $24,421 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%
20 $21,826 $19,045 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
21 $28,552 $24,421 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
22 $43,465 $33,490 52.3% 78.2%
23 $40,665 $56,674 81.7% 73.0%
24 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
25 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
26 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
27 $13,879 $12,830 33.3%
28 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
29 $23,594 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
30 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
31 $9,082 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
32 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
33 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%
34 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
35 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
36 $21,318 $30,446 31.4% 64.7%
37 $20,739 $22,650 29.9%
38 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
39 $26,470 $35,500 29.5% 76.2%
40 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
41 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
42 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Indiana biology programs?

Biology graduate earnings range from $19,045 to $41,565, largely reflecting program reputation and alumni networks. Wabash College leads at $41,565 despite serving only male students, while University of Southern Indiana graduates earn $38,289. Regional campuses like Purdue Northwest typically produce lower starting salaries at $25,194, though cost-of-living differences in their markets may offset this gap.

How do Indiana's public biology programs compare on value?

Public programs range from $8,257 to $15,898 in net costs, with graduation rates varying dramatically from 32.50% to 83.10%. Purdue's main campus offers the best combination of moderate cost ($13,945) and high graduation rate (83.10%). Indiana University-Bloomington provides similar value at $15,342 with an 81.20% graduation rate, while regional campuses sacrifice outcomes for affordability.

Is private education worth the premium for Indiana biology students?

Private schools cost $18,748 to $25,580 compared to public averages under $14,000, but outcomes vary significantly. University of Saint Francis graduates earn $39,927 with a 60.70% graduation rate for $20,361. DePauw costs $24,546 but achieves an 80% graduation rate, while Wabash justifies its $21,906 cost with the state's highest biology earnings at $41,565.

Does location within Indiana affect biology career prospects?

Indianapolis-area programs benefit from proximity to Eli Lilly and Indiana University Health, major biology employers. Indiana University-Indianapolis graduates earn $35,060, reflecting strong local opportunities. Rural programs like Indiana State ($31,127 earnings) and regional campuses often see graduates migrate to larger cities for better positions, though living costs during school remain lower.

Where do Indiana biology graduates struggle with debt burdens?

Student debt ranges from $18,000 to $27,000, with private schools clustering at the higher end. University of Saint Francis and Wabash both average $27,000 in debt, though their higher graduate earnings ($39,927 and $41,565) help manage payments. Purdue Fort Wayne offers the best debt situation at just $18,000, while maintaining reasonable graduate earnings of $27,343.

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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.