Skip to main content

Best Value Biology Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College delivers an unusual combination for biology students: a net price of just $14,852 despite its $64,860 sticker price, thanks to generous financial aid that makes this elite institution accessible to middle-class families. This creates an interesting paradox in Massachusetts biology education, where some of the most selective programs actually cost less than mid-tier alternatives. The state's 15 biology programs span from $14,590 to $32,116 in net costs, with graduates earning between $27,181 and $41,308 annually. Massachusetts biotechnology companies like Biogen, Moderna, and Genzyme create strong demand for biology graduates, particularly around the Cambridge-Boston corridor where many pharmaceutical research facilities cluster. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with Worcester State leading at $14,738 net cost while producing graduates who earn $37,568. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps bridge funding gaps for in-state students, making quality biology education more accessible across income levels.
48
Programs
$14,590 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$34,031
Avg. Program Earnings
68.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $37,568 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $14,590 $34,420 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
3 $16,698 $38,289 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
4 $14,852 $33,993 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
5 $15,432 $34,793 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
6 $18,441 $41,308 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
7 $17,970 $38,829 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
8 $18,627 $38,289 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
9 $18,561 $35,416 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
10 $18,282 $33,993 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
11 $19,813 $35,772 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
12 $20,605 $36,131 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
13 $18,707 $27,181 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
14 $23,691 $32,359 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
15 $29,969 $38,906 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
16 $25,008 $31,848 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
17 $27,711 $34,526 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
18 $26,996 $32,391 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
19 $28,853 $34,381 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
20 $32,116 $38,108 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
21 $31,569 $35,594 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
22 $28,346 $31,839 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
23 $24,817 $27,681 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
24 $30,031 $32,569 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
25 $36,868 $38,289 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
26 $26,181 $25,774 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
27 $35,435 $34,348 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
28 $29,562 $28,598 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
29 $43,273 $40,281 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
30 $30,934 $27,048 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
31 $39,866 $33,022 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
32 $33,885 $25,452 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
33 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
34 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
35 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
36 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
37 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
38 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
39 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
40 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
41 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
42 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
43 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
44 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
45 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
46 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
47 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
48 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Williams College appearing on a best value list with such high tuition?

Williams College charges $64,860 in tuition but provides extensive financial aid that reduces the average net price to $14,852, making it competitive with public universities. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for families earning under certain thresholds. With a 96.6% graduation rate compared to the state average of 60%, students are nearly guaranteed to complete their degrees. This combination of generous aid and strong outcomes creates genuine value despite the high sticker price.

How do public university costs compare across Massachusetts for biology majors?

Massachusetts public universities show surprising cost variation, with in-state tuition ranging from $11,046 at Fitchburg State to $17,357 at UMass Amherst. Net costs after aid span from $14,738 at Worcester State to $23,691 at UMass Amherst, a nearly $9,000 difference. However, higher costs often correlate with better outcomes, as UMass Amherst achieves an 83.2% graduation rate compared to 52.7% at Fitchburg State. Students should weigh the extra cost against completion likelihood and career prospects.

Is Salem State University worth considering for its high biology graduate earnings?

Salem State biology graduates earn $41,308 annually, the highest among all programs listed, despite the university's $18,441 net cost placing it in the middle range. The school maintains a 92.66% acceptance rate and 55% graduation rate, making it accessible while delivering strong career outcomes. Salem's location provides access to Boston-area biotech employers while avoiding the higher living costs of urban campuses. The $26,500 average debt load is reasonable given the earning potential.

Does MIT offer good value for biology students despite its reputation as an engineering school?

MIT biology graduates earn $35,772, which ranks in the middle of Massachusetts programs despite the institute's global reputation and 3.96% acceptance rate. The $19,813 net cost reflects substantial financial aid that makes MIT surprisingly affordable for admitted students. However, with a 96.1% graduation rate, students have near-certainty of completing their degrees. The value proposition depends on career goals, as MIT's name recognition and research opportunities may provide advantages not captured in immediate post-graduation earnings.

Where do Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts graduates find employment with $27,181 starting salaries?

MCLA biology graduates earn $27,181, the lowest among listed programs, but this reflects the college's location in North Adams and its focus on undergraduate teaching rather than research. The $18,707 net cost means graduates face lower debt burdens, with many finding positions in regional healthcare systems, environmental consulting, or continuing to graduate programs. The 92.45% acceptance rate and small class sizes provide personalized attention that can benefit students planning for medical or graduate school. Rural and small-town biology careers often offer lower starting salaries but better work-life balance.

More Biology, General Rankings

Cheapest Biology, General in Massachusetts Biology, General Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Biology, General in Massachusetts

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.