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Best Value Biology Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Lincoln University offers Pennsylvania's most affordable Biology, General program at $12,912 net cost, though graduates earn just $20,140 annually. At the opposite end, Neumann University charges $28,714 but delivers the highest graduate earnings at $44,170. Public universities dominate the value equation, with East Stroudsburg providing strong returns at $15,089 net cost and $34,467 in graduate earnings. Pennsylvania's healthcare sector, anchored by UPMC and major pharmaceutical companies, creates steady demand for biology graduates across research, clinical support, and biotechnology roles. The state's public institutions show remarkable consistency, with most charging between $10,500-$12,500 for in-state tuition before aid. Private colleges like Westminster and Albright offer competitive net prices around $20,800-$21,664 while maintaining solid career outcomes. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Lincoln's 52% to West Chester's impressive 69.8%. The PA State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for residents, making quality biology education accessible across income levels. Students should weigh immediate affordability against long-term earning potential when choosing programs.
50
Programs
$12,912 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$32,290
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 $15,089 $34,467 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $19,524 $36,992 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
3 $20,231 $37,980 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
4 $20,800 $37,208 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
5 $22,673 $40,233 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
6 $20,822 $36,132 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
7 $21,664 $37,568 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
8 $21,205 $35,774 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
9 $17,216 $28,816 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
10 $12,912 $20,140 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
11 $16,630 $25,926 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
12 $19,258 $29,956 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
13 $21,972 $33,993 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
14 $24,051 $37,208 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
15 $28,714 $44,170 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
16 $21,461 $32,925 $17,850 41.2% 80.7%
17 $17,034 $25,926 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
18 $22,222 $32,391 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
19 $20,748 $29,685 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
20 $23,331 $33,138 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
21 $21,043 $29,685 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
22 $19,685 $27,709 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
23 $28,132 $39,592 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
24 $23,553 $32,711 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
25 $21,409 $29,685 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
26 $30,465 $42,235 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
27 $18,952 $25,926 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
28 $18,686 $25,194 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
29 $22,558 $30,119 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
30 $27,700 $36,668 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
31 $25,157 $32,382 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
32 $29,219 $37,568 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
33 $30,470 $38,829 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
34 $22,746 $26,896 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
35 $23,281 $27,476 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
36 $26,198 $30,173 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
37 $31,229 $35,823 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
38 $33,549 $38,289 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
39 $21,900 $24,615 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
40 $30,485 $33,993 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
41 $25,866 $28,443 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
42 $30,086 $32,391 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
43 $27,686 $29,685 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
44 $27,243 $28,870 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
45 $29,944 $29,685 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
46 $23,206 $22,771 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
47 $32,191 $30,409 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
48 $34,978 $32,925 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
49 $38,428 $35,701 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
50 $30,528 $27,435 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $24,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying biology programs?

Neumann University graduates earn $44,170 compared to Lincoln University's $20,140, reflecting differences in program focus, alumni networks, and geographic placement. Neumann's location near Philadelphia provides access to pharmaceutical companies and research hospitals. Regional job markets significantly impact starting salaries, with urban areas typically offering 25-40% higher compensation than rural positions.

How do Pennsylvania's public biology programs compare to private alternatives for value?

Public universities offer strong value with in-state tuition averaging $11,500 across the top programs. East Stroudsburg delivers $34,467 in graduate earnings for just $15,089 net cost. Private schools like Westminster charge similar net prices around $20,800 but often provide smaller class sizes and more research opportunities that justify the investment.

Is the PA State Grant significant enough to influence college choice?

The PA State Grant can reduce costs by $3,000-$4,000 annually for eligible residents, making programs like Slippery Rock even more affordable at $10,507 in-state tuition. This assistance often makes the difference between attending an in-state public university versus taking on additional debt at private institutions. Combined with federal aid, many students see net costs drop below $20,000.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania biology programs?

West Chester achieves the highest graduation rate at 69.8% while maintaining reasonable costs at $22,673 net price. However, expensive programs don't guarantee better outcomes, as Albright College charges $21,664 but graduates only 42.2% of students. Student support services and academic rigor matter more than price alone for completion rates.

Where do biology graduates find the best career opportunities in Pennsylvania?

UPMC employs thousands in clinical research and laboratory roles across Pittsburgh, while Philadelphia's pharmaceutical corridor includes major employers like GlaxoSmithKline and Merck. Comcast's biotechnology investments create emerging opportunities in health informatics. Graduates from programs near these urban centers typically see starting salaries 15-20% above state averages.

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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.