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Best Value Biology Colleges in Ohio

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

Youngstown State University delivers Ohio's most affordable biology program at just $11,877 net cost, making it nearly $13,000 cheaper than the state average of $18,290. This public university achieves a 52.90% graduation rate while maintaining exceptionally low student debt at $18,500. The University of Akron stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $34,704, significantly above the state range of $22,834 to $34,704. Ohio State's main campus combines strong outcomes with moderate costs, producing graduates who earn $30,092 annually after completing one of the state's most selective programs with a 52.72% acceptance rate. Ohio's biology graduates find opportunities across the state's expanding healthcare sector, with major employers like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center actively recruiting life science professionals. The manufacturing sector, anchored by companies like Honda, also creates demand for quality control and research positions requiring biology backgrounds.
50
Programs
$6,602 – $39,184
Net Price Range
$27,943
Avg. Program Earnings
57.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,458 $30,092 $9,212 18.1%
2 $14,981 $34,704 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
3 $15,216 $31,890 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $11,877 $22,834 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
5 $16,135 $29,685 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
6 $19,476 $33,459 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
7 $16,544 $27,476 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
8 $18,292 $30,092 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
9 $16,065 $25,194 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
10 $22,539 $33,993 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
11 $20,477 $30,771 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
12 $19,614 $27,947 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
13 $20,204 $28,236 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
14 $23,156 $32,186 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
15 $21,596 $29,685 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
16 $17,460 $23,649 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
17 $21,994 $28,598 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
18 $25,727 $32,925 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
19 $20,088 $25,525 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
20 $20,918 $26,430 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
21 $22,881 $28,443 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%
22 $20,004 $24,808 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
23 $22,140 $26,353 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
24 $23,585 $27,618 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
25 $27,662 $32,284 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
26 $19,470 $21,052 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
27 $27,654 $28,960 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
28 $25,766 $26,933 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
29 $21,296 $21,508 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
30 $23,731 $23,340 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
31 $29,383 $28,055 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
32 $28,617 $26,933 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
33 $31,236 $27,823 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
34 $32,342 $27,822 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
35 $38,111 $25,194 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
36 $39,184 $23,456 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
37 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
38 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
39 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
40 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
41 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
42 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
43 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
44 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
45 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
46 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
47 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
48 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
49 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
50 $15,709 $18,950 44.6% 46.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Youngstown State University the most affordable biology option?

Youngstown State offers the lowest net cost at $11,877 with reasonable in-state tuition of $10,791. Students graduate with just $18,500 in debt, well below the state average. The program maintains a solid 52.90% graduation rate and 80.60% acceptance rate, making it accessible for students seeking quality education at minimal cost.

How do public versus private biology programs compare in Ohio?

Public universities average around $15,000 in net costs compared to private schools ranging from $16,135 to $22,539. However, private institutions like University of Mount Union achieve higher graduation rates at 64.90% versus public averages near 50%. Private school graduates often carry $27,000 in debt compared to $20,000-21,000 at public universities.

Where do Ohio biology graduates earn the highest salaries?

University of Akron graduates lead with $34,704 average earnings, followed closely by University of Mount Union at $33,993. Ohio Dominican University also produces high earners at $33,459 annually. These figures represent the top tier of the $22,834 to $34,704 earnings range across Ohio's biology programs.

Does Ohio State's main campus justify its higher costs?

Ohio State charges $18,292 net cost but delivers an strong 87.70% graduation rate, far above the state average. Graduates earn $30,092 annually with manageable debt of $20,500. The program's 52.72% acceptance rate indicates selectivity, while the university's research opportunities and connections to Ohio's medical centers add significant value.

What graduation rate differences exist among Ohio biology programs?

Graduation rates span from 18.10% at Ohio State Lima to 87.70% at the main Columbus campus. University of Mount Union achieves 64.90% while Kent State reaches 65.50%. Most public universities cluster between 45-55%, though Central State falls to 25.60%, indicating significant variation in student success across institutions.

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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.