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Best Value Biology Colleges in Kansas

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

Washburn University stands out among Kansas biology programs with graduates earning $39,585 annually while maintaining a net cost of just $13,046. This earnings figure exceeds all other Kansas biology programs by nearly $10,000, creating an unusual value proposition in a state where most biology graduates earn between $22,000-$30,000. The earnings gap becomes more striking when considering that many private institutions charge over $30,000 annually yet produce lower-earning graduates. Kansas biology students benefit from the state's growing life sciences sector, which includes pharmaceutical research facilities and agricultural biotechnology companies that support Cargill and other major agribusiness operations. Public universities dominate the value market, with Fort Hays State offering the lowest in-state tuition at $5,633 and Kansas State achieving a 70.5% graduation rate. Private institutions like Newman University charge $35,500 but graduates earn only $22,420, highlighting the cost-benefit calculations students must consider. The state's biology programs prepare students for careers in agricultural research, environmental consulting, and pharmaceutical development, sectors that align with Kansas's economic strengths in agriculture and manufacturing.
23
Programs
$12,473 – $33,243
Net Price Range
$29,082
Avg. Program Earnings
46.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,046 $39,585 $9,578 52.6%
2 $13,493 $29,685 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
3 $15,702 $30,771 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
4 $13,776 $23,207 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $17,883 $29,685 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
6 $17,365 $28,236 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
7 $18,889 $29,064 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
8 $19,045 $22,420 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
9 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
10 $33,243 $14,400 33.3% 86.7%
11 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
12 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
13 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
14 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
15 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
16 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
17 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
18 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
19 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
20 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
21 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
22 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
23 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Washburn University the top value for biology in Kansas?

Washburn University graduates earn $39,585 annually, the highest among all Kansas biology programs, while maintaining a reasonable net cost of $13,046. This creates a return on investment that surpasses both public competitors like Kansas State ($29,685 earnings) and private institutions like Newman University ($22,420 earnings). The combination of strong post-graduation earnings with moderate costs positions Washburn as the clear value leader.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for biology?

Public universities offer significantly lower in-state tuition, ranging from $5,633 at Fort Hays State to $11,700 at University of Kansas. Private institutions charge between $32,200-$38,480 annually, making them roughly three to seven times more expensive than public options. Despite the cost difference, most public universities produce graduates with similar or higher earnings than their private counterparts.

Is there a correlation between graduation rates and program value?

Kansas State University demonstrates the strongest graduation rate at 70.5% with graduates earning $29,685, showing that higher completion rates often align with better outcomes. University of Kansas follows closely with a 68.8% graduation rate and $28,236 in graduate earnings. Conversely, many private colleges show concerning patterns, with Sterling College graduating only 29% of students despite charging $32,200 annually.

What salary range should biology graduates expect in Kansas?

Kansas biology graduates earn between $22,420-$39,585 annually, with most programs producing graduates in the $28,000-$30,000 range. Washburn University graduates significantly outperform this average at $39,585, while Newman University graduates earn the lowest at $22,420. The median earnings across all programs fall around $29,000, reflecting opportunities in agricultural research, environmental consulting, and laboratory work.

Does student debt vary significantly between Kansas biology programs?

Student debt levels remain relatively consistent among programs that report this data, ranging from $10,250 at Cleveland University-Kansas City to $22,500 at Emporia State University. Most programs cluster around $19,000-$21,000 in average debt, suggesting that borrowing patterns are fairly standard regardless of institutional type. The debt-to-earnings ratio becomes more important than absolute debt levels when evaluating program value.

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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.