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Best Value Biology Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Detroit Mercy biology graduates earn $42,682 annually, nearly $15,000 more than the state average for this major, despite a net cost of just $16,179. This private university sits among Michigan's most affordable biology programs, with costs ranging from $12,280 at UM-Flint to $21,504 at Adrian College. The earnings gap reflects Michigan's evolving job market, where biology graduates find opportunities beyond traditional research roles in the state's growing healthcare sector and pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Abbott that have expanded operations here. Public universities dominate the value market, with eight of the top ten most affordable programs coming from state institutions. However, graduation rates vary significantly, from 44.6% at UM-Flint to 93.2% at UM-Ann Arbor. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides up to $5,500 for in-state students, making already affordable public options even more accessible. Students considering biology programs should weigh not just upfront costs but also post-graduation earning potential and completion rates when evaluating their investment.
33
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$28,750
Avg. Program Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,179 $42,682 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
2 $12,280 $28,327 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
3 $15,729 $32,925 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
4 $14,832 $30,409 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
5 $14,582 $28,236 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
6 $17,096 $32,791 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
7 $13,584 $25,967 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
8 $16,041 $29,250 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
9 $17,485 $31,828 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
10 $14,773 $26,353 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
11 $18,701 $33,162 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
12 $16,882 $29,685 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
13 $21,504 $37,208 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
14 $17,084 $27,091 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
15 $18,902 $28,236 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
16 $12,202 $17,508 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
17 $21,158 $29,685 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
18 $20,751 $26,048 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
19 $20,899 $25,194 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
20 $26,409 $31,133 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
21 $24,783 $28,381 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
22 $24,663 $25,596 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
23 $18,873 $19,045 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
24 $25,749 $23,260 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
25 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
26 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
27 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
28 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
29 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
30 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
31 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
32 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
33 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,000+ earnings difference between the highest and lowest paying biology programs?

University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $42,682 compared to $17,508 at the lowest-earning program, reflecting differences in research opportunities, industry connections, and geographic job markets. Private institutions like Detroit Mercy often have stronger alumni networks in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. The university's location in Detroit provides access to major medical centers and biotech companies that recruit biology graduates for higher-paying positions.

How do graduation rates affect the value proposition for biology students?

Graduation rates range from 44.6% at UM-Flint to 93.2% at UM-Ann Arbor, dramatically impacting program value regardless of net cost. Students who don't complete their degree face debt without the earning potential that justifies the investment. Programs with rates below 60% require careful consideration, as nearly half of students may not finish their biology degree within six years.

Is the $16,179 net cost at University of Detroit Mercy actually affordable for a private institution?

This net cost places Detroit Mercy among Michigan's most affordable biology programs, ranking second statewide despite being a private university. The school's generous financial aid brings the actual cost below many public institutions like Western Michigan University at $18,701. Combined with the highest graduate earnings at $42,682, Detroit Mercy offers strong return on investment for biology students.

Does Michigan's automotive industry create biology job opportunities beyond traditional lab work?

Michigan's automotive sector increasingly employs biology graduates in materials science, environmental compliance, and bioengineering roles as companies develop sustainable technologies. Major automakers like Ford and GM invest heavily in bio-based materials research and environmental testing. The state's growing healthcare and pharmaceutical presence, supported by companies like Pfizer, creates additional career paths for biology graduates beyond traditional research positions.

Where do biology graduates find the best job prospects relative to their debt levels?

University of Detroit Mercy graduates carry $20,500 in average debt but earn $42,682 annually, creating the most favorable debt-to-income ratio among top programs. UM-Ann Arbor graduates earn $30,409 with just $18,762 in debt, offering another strong financial outcome. Students should avoid programs where debt exceeds annual starting salaries, as seen with some institutions where $24,000+ debt accompanies sub-$30,000 earnings.

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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.