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Best Value Biology Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands out among Kentucky's biology programs with a net cost of just $4,483, nearly $3,000 less than the next cheapest option despite its $49,326 sticker price. This unique tuition model makes high-quality biology education accessible while graduates earn $20,687 annually. Murray State University biology majors command the highest salaries at $36,668, creating an interesting cost-benefit calculation for prospective students. Kentucky's healthcare sector, anchored by Humana's Louisville headquarters, provides strong career pathways for biology graduates entering medical fields. The state's 15 biology programs range from $4,483 to $36,431 in net costs, with graduation rates spanning from 27% at Kentucky State to 85% at Centre College. Public universities generally offer lower costs, with Northern Kentucky University charging $7,168 net and producing graduates earning $34,526. Private institutions like Centre College deliver high graduation rates but at significantly higher costs, reflecting different educational approaches and student demographics across the Commonwealth.
25
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$25,600
Avg. Program Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $34,526 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $4,483 $20,687 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
3 $9,121 $36,668 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $8,900 $24,421 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
5 $10,916 $26,850 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
6 $13,591 $23,579 $24,150 39.1%
7 $9,962 $17,033 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
8 $17,634 $29,685 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
9 $13,485 $22,578 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $17,218 $21,588 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
11 $23,560 $28,960 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
12 $21,497 $22,771 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
13 $23,587 $23,456 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
14 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
15 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
16 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
17 $22,139 $25,000 33.8% 44.4%
18 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
19 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
20 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
21 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
22 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
23 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
24 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
25 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's biology program such an strong value?

Berea College charges a net cost of only $4,483 for biology students, the lowest among all Kentucky programs. The college's work-study model and endowment support keep costs minimal while maintaining quality education. Biology graduates earn $20,687 annually, providing solid returns on the minimal investment required. The 62% graduation rate exceeds many programs with much higher costs.

How do earnings compare between public and private biology programs in Kentucky?

Murray State University leads all programs with biology graduate earnings of $36,668, followed closely by Northern Kentucky at $34,526. Private colleges show mixed results, with Transylvania University graduates earning $28,960 while Georgetown College graduates make $22,578. The highest-earning programs tend to be public universities, offering strong value propositions for in-state students.

Is the University of Louisville worth the higher cost for biology students?

Louisville charges a net cost of $17,634, significantly higher than most public options in Kentucky. However, biology graduates earn $29,685 annually and carry only $19,500 in debt, among the lowest debt levels statewide. The 60.7% graduation rate and strong research opportunities in a major metropolitan area justify the premium for many students.

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

Centre College achieves the highest graduation rate at 85.3% but charges $21,497 net cost. University of Kentucky maintains a strong 69.9% graduation rate while charging $17,218. However, Eastern Kentucky University shows that cost alone doesn't determine success, with a $9,962 net cost but only 49.7% graduation rate. Private colleges generally show higher completion rates despite varied costs.

Where do Kentucky biology graduates find the best job opportunities?

Louisville's healthcare sector, home to Humana's headquarters, provides strong opportunities for biology graduates entering insurance and medical fields. Lexington's University of Kentucky medical center creates research and clinical positions. The state's growing biotechnology sector and pharmaceutical companies offer additional career paths beyond traditional laboratory work. Rural hospitals throughout Kentucky also seek biology graduates for various healthcare support roles.

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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.