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Best Value Biology Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's public universities deliver strong value for biology students, with net costs ranging from just $7,237 at Elizabeth City State University to $16,931 at NC State. The earnings gap tells an interesting story too, spanning from $25,194 to $36,166 annually after graduation. Chapel Hill stands out with a remarkable 92.10% graduation rate despite charging only $12,983 net cost, while private Meredith College commands $20,197 but produces the highest-earning graduates at $36,166. The state's Research Triangle region creates strong demand for biology graduates, with biotechnology companies like Biogen and pharmaceutical giant GSK maintaining major operations. Banking center Charlotte and the expanding healthcare sector across the state provide additional career paths for biology majors. Public universities dominate the value equation, with 14 of the 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $9,000. The NC Need-Based Scholarship program helps bridge affordability gaps for qualifying students.
50
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$27,996
Avg. Program Earnings
52.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $29,141 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $26,585 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $10,170 $32,514 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
4 $9,918 $27,784 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,980 $25,967 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $13,393 $30,554 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
7 $12,865 $28,816 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $12,983 $27,855 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
9 $15,028 $31,915 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
10 $12,579 $25,194 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
11 $14,745 $29,064 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
12 $16,514 $32,467 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
13 $16,487 $31,890 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
14 $16,931 $31,133 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
15 $20,197 $36,166 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
16 $15,662 $25,194 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
17 $17,893 $28,236 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
18 $16,189 $24,615 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
19 $18,210 $26,739 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
20 $21,728 $30,228 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
21 $19,472 $26,292 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
22 $21,371 $28,598 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
23 $20,313 $26,739 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
24 $24,978 $32,569 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
25 $23,665 $27,476 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
26 $22,858 $25,967 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
27 $21,200 $23,649 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
28 $28,746 $31,851 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
29 $20,011 $21,964 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
30 $23,991 $26,121 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
31 $24,137 $23,649 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
32 $34,454 $33,565 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
33 $41,048 $25,194 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
34 $27,786 $16,169 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
35 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
36 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
37 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
38 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
39 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
40 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
41 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
42 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
43 $25,876 $17,280 42.6% 63.3%
44 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
45 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
46 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
47 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
48 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
49 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
50 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University such a strong value for biology students?

Elizabeth City State offers the lowest net cost at just $7,237 while maintaining a respectable 48.10% graduation rate and $29,141 average earnings. Students pay only $3,412 in-state tuition, making it one of the most affordable biology programs in the nation. The 74.15% acceptance rate provides reasonable admission odds for most qualified applicants. Despite the low cost, graduates earn nearly $30,000 annually, creating strong return on investment.

How do graduation rates vary among North Carolina's biology programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range, from 35.20% at Fayetteville State to an impressive 92.10% at UNC Chapel Hill. NC State follows closely with 84.60%, while Appalachian State achieves 73.10% despite moderate costs. Several schools cluster around 55-60%, including UNC Greensboro at 57.90% and Western Carolina at 59.10%. The variation often correlates with selectivity, as Chapel Hill's 17.11% acceptance rate reflects more prepared students.

Does private education justify higher costs for biology majors in North Carolina?

Meredith College, the only private option listed, charges $20,197 net cost but produces graduates earning $36,166 annually. This represents the highest earnings in the state, roughly $4,000 more than the next closest school. However, public alternatives like UNC Greensboro offer similar career outcomes at $10,170 net cost. The 65.00% graduation rate at Meredith falls short of several public universities that cost significantly less.

Where do biology graduates find the best earning potential in North Carolina?

The Research Triangle area offers the strongest job market, with UNC Chapel Hill and NC State graduates well-positioned for biotechnology and pharmaceutical roles. Graduates from these programs earn $27,855 and $31,133 respectively, while benefiting from proximity to companies like Biogen and GSK. Charlotte's banking sector and statewide healthcare expansion create additional opportunities. East Carolina graduates earn $32,467 annually, reflecting strong healthcare connections in eastern North Carolina.

What debt levels should biology students expect in North Carolina?

Student debt varies considerably, from a low $15,000 at UNC Chapel Hill to $27,611 at NC A&T State University. Most schools fall between $20,500-$27,000 in average debt loads. UNC Asheville offers relatively low debt at $22,228 despite solid graduation rates. The debt-to-earnings ratios remain manageable across most programs, with graduates typically earning enough to service loans comfortably within standard repayment periods.

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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.