Skip to main content

Best Value Biology Colleges in New Jersey

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

New Jersey City University delivers the state's lowest net cost for biology programs at just $11,732, while Rider University graduates earn $39,927 annually,the highest in the state. This $28,000 earnings gap reflects significant differences in program outcomes and career preparation across New Jersey's 15 biology programs. Public institutions dominate the value proposition, with schools like Kean University offering strong returns at $12,168 net cost and $34,562 median earnings. The state's proximity to major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck creates abundant internship and career opportunities for biology graduates. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 31% at Bloomfield College to 73% at New Jersey Institute of Technology, making careful program selection critical. Students benefit from New Jersey's TAG grant program, which helps reduce costs at public institutions. The concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies along the Route 1 corridor provides biology graduates with direct pathways into industry careers.
26
Programs
$11,732 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$28,108
Avg. Program Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,168 $34,562 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
2 $11,732 $29,141 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
3 $18,778 $35,416 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
4 $12,973 $24,035 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
5 $16,496 $29,685 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
6 $15,266 $25,658 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
7 $20,218 $32,925 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
8 $17,764 $28,381 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
9 $20,360 $32,391 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
10 $25,287 $39,927 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
11 $14,159 $22,094 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
12 $22,185 $32,124 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
13 $19,634 $25,729 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
14 $18,803 $22,503 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
15 $19,407 $22,503 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
16 $25,644 $29,685 $45,360 72.4% 72.7%
17 $31,650 $34,526 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
18 $24,415 $25,658 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
19 $21,188 $21,234 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
20 $28,921 $28,366 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
21 $23,519 $22,503 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
22 $25,458 $20,140 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
23 $41,315 $27,295 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%
24 $19,037 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
25 $17,949 $35,942 40.2% 71.9%
26 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Jersey City University such good value for biology students?

New Jersey City University offers the lowest net cost at $11,732 with manageable debt averaging $16,500. The school maintains a 90% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most students. While the median earnings of $29,141 rank in the middle tier, the extremely low cost creates strong value for students prioritizing affordability. The Jersey City location provides access to pharmaceutical and biotech companies for internships.

How do public versus private biology programs compare in New Jersey?

Public schools consistently offer better value with net costs ranging from $11,732 to $22,185 compared to private institutions at $12,973 to $25,287. Public programs like Ramapo College achieve 72% graduation rates while maintaining reasonable costs. Private schools often carry higher debt loads, with some exceeding $25,000. The earnings gap between sectors remains relatively small, making public programs the clear value choice.

Is New Jersey Institute of Technology worth the higher public school cost?

NJIT charges $16,496 net cost but delivers a 73% graduation rate,among the highest for biology programs statewide. The school's technical focus and Newark location near pharmaceutical companies create strong industry connections. Students graduate with $18,875 in debt and earn $29,685 annually. The engineering-oriented environment provides unique preparation for biotechnology careers.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in New Jersey biology programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. Stockton University achieves 72% graduation rates at just $19,634 net cost. Conversely, Bloomfield College maintains only 31% graduation rates despite charging $18,778. Public institutions like Rowan University balance moderate costs with solid 68% completion rates. The correlation suggests but doesn't guarantee that investment leads to completion.

Where do New Jersey biology graduates find the best earning potential?

Rider University graduates earn the highest median salaries at $39,927, though students pay $25,287 in net costs. Bloomfield College and Kean University graduates also exceed $34,000 annually with lower program costs. The pharmaceutical corridor along Routes 1 and 287 offers numerous high-paying opportunities. Geographic location within the New York metropolitan area significantly boosts salary potential for all programs.

More Biology, General Rankings

Cheapest Biology, General in New Jersey Biology, General Under $20,000 in New Jersey

Related

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in New Jersey Best Biology, General in New Jersey

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