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Best Value Biology Colleges in New York

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

CUNY Hunter College delivers an extraordinary biology education for just $2,446 net cost annually, making it the most affordable option among New York's biology programs. The affordability gap between CUNY schools and other state institutions reaches dramatic proportions, with some SUNY campuses costing seven times more despite similar public status. CUNY York College graduates earn $39,009 annually, the highest among all programs listed, though its 30.30% graduation rate raises questions about completion challenges. New York's thriving biotechnology sector and top-tier medical research institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering and Rockefeller University, create abundant opportunities for biology graduates throughout the metropolitan area. The city's pharmaceutical companies and research hospitals actively recruit from local programs, particularly CUNY schools that produce graduates familiar with urban healthcare challenges. While living costs in New York City strain student budgets, the combination of affordable tuition and strong regional job prospects makes these programs attractive investments for future biologists.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $36,000
Net Price Range
$28,545
Avg. Program Earnings
63.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $26,353 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $27,947 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $4,734 $39,009 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
4 $3,482 $26,585 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
5 $3,830 $23,649 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $5,881 $36,069 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
7 $3,486 $20,140 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
8 $9,173 $31,581 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
9 $9,900 $31,314 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
10 $14,229 $33,281 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
11 $14,295 $27,440 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
12 $16,547 $30,771 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
13 $15,844 $28,598 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
14 $17,231 $30,409 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
15 $19,951 $35,060 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%
16 $20,148 $33,993 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
17 $15,644 $26,353 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
18 $18,833 $30,650 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
19 $15,770 $24,421 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
20 $17,622 $26,585 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
21 $19,920 $28,960 $42,740 57.1% 88.9%
22 $18,322 $26,353 $32,720 70.7% 77.7%
23 $33,139 $46,478 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
24 $21,614 $29,685 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
25 $22,701 $28,960 $39,530 55.5% 50.6%
26 $19,067 $23,693 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
27 $20,709 $25,194 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
28 $21,547 $26,063 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
29 $18,481 $22,329 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
30 $18,486 $22,290 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
31 $26,870 $32,382 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
32 $23,735 $28,598 $37,932 64.0% 96.0%
33 $18,430 $21,929 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
34 $32,965 $39,153 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
35 $36,000 $41,565 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%
36 $18,021 $20,748 $8,966 72.1% 74.9%
37 $21,364 $24,499 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
38 $20,470 $23,456 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
39 $28,314 $32,382 $65,740 91.3% 11.8%
40 $23,819 $25,194 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
41 $29,800 $28,960 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
42 $23,901 $22,834 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
43 $30,561 $28,960 $63,870 79.7% 63.5%
44 $29,694 $28,055 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
45 $26,985 $25,194 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
46 $31,046 $28,960 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
47 $32,697 $29,141 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
48 $28,150 $24,421 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
49 $32,337 $27,784 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
50 $26,881 $22,824 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

How do CUNY biology programs compare to SUNY schools for affordability?

CUNY schools dominate the most affordable spots, with seven programs under $6,000 annually. Hunter College leads at $2,446, while Brooklyn College follows at $2,943. Most SUNY biology programs cost between $14,000-$20,000 annually, creating a substantial price difference of over $10,000 in many cases.

What explains the wide range in graduate earnings from $20,140 to $39,009?

CUNY York College graduates earn the highest at $39,009, nearly double the lowest earners from CUNY City College at $20,140. Geographic factors play a role, as programs closer to Manhattan's biotech corridor tend to produce higher-earning graduates. The earnings spread of nearly $19,000 reflects different career paths, from research positions to pharmaceutical sales roles.

Which schools offer the best combination of low cost and graduation success?

CUNY Hunter College stands out with its $2,446 cost and solid 61% graduation rate. CUNY Queens College provides another strong option at $3,830 with a 60.20% completion rate. These schools significantly outperform more expensive options like SUNY Buffalo State, which costs $14,229 but graduates only 36% of students.

Is the debt burden manageable for biology students in New York?

Most programs keep debt reasonable, with CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates carrying just $11,000 in debt despite earning $36,069 annually. However, some SUNY schools like Potsdam saddle students with $23,041 in debt for relatively modest earnings of $27,440. The debt-to-income ratios vary significantly across institutions.

How do acceptance rates affect program accessibility across the state?

CUNY Hunter College maintains selectivity at 47.86% acceptance, reflecting its strong reputation and Manhattan location. SUNY Old Westbury accepts 92.10% of applicants but struggles with a 46.60% graduation rate. More selective programs like Hunter and Brooklyn College generally produce better completion rates and career outcomes for biology students.

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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.