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Best Value Biology Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the most affordable biology program in the state at just $10,026 net cost, while graduates from Freed-Hardeman University earn the highest starting salaries at $33,993 annually. This $17,000 earnings gap highlights how program choice affects long-term financial outcomes for biology students. Tennessee's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA Healthcare's Nashville headquarters, creates strong demand for biology graduates entering medical fields and research positions. Public universities dominate the value market, with six schools offering net costs below $16,000. The University of Tennessee system provides particularly strong options, with the Martin campus combining low costs at $10,299 with solid graduation rates of 54.8%. Students benefit from Tennessee's lack of state income tax, effectively boosting take-home pay for early career professionals. The state's automotive manufacturing presence also opens doors for biology graduates interested in materials science and environmental compliance roles within major production facilities.
36
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$25,593
Avg. Program Earnings
53.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $28,381 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $23,538 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $12,599 $28,478 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
4 $12,817 $24,983 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
5 $13,253 $25,774 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
6 $14,207 $24,164 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
7 $20,082 $33,993 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
8 $15,794 $25,194 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
9 $14,846 $23,649 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $18,292 $28,960 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
11 $18,109 $25,774 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
12 $25,610 $24,035 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
13 $22,874 $20,140 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
14 $25,060 $21,234 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
15 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
16 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
17 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
18 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
19 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
20 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
21 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
22 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
23 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
24 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
25 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
26 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
27 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
28 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
29 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
30 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
31 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
32 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
33 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
34 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
35 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
36 $13,401 $13,846 53.8% 40.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tennessee biology program offers the best return on investment?

Tennessee State University provides strong value with a net cost of $10,026 and graduates earning $28,381 annually. This creates a favorable cost-to-earnings ratio that helps students minimize debt while maximizing earning potential. The program's affordability allows students to focus on academics rather than financial stress.

How much do private biology programs cost compared to public options?

Private biology programs range from $18,292 at Cumberland University to $25,610 at Lipscomb University, while public options span $10,026 to $18,109. The average private program costs about $8,000 more annually than public alternatives. However, Freed-Hardeman University graduates earn $33,993, potentially justifying the higher investment for career-focused students.

Where do biology graduates earn the most in Tennessee?

Freed-Hardeman University biology graduates command the highest starting salaries at $33,993, followed by Cumberland University at $28,960. These earnings reflect strong alumni networks and career services at smaller institutions. Public university graduates typically earn between $23,000 and $28,000, which remains competitive given the lower program costs.

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

Rhodes College achieves an 81.6% graduation rate at a $25,060 net cost, while Tennessee State University graduates 33% of students at $10,026. Mid-tier public programs like UT-Martin balance accessibility with outcomes, graduating 54.8% of students. The data suggests that higher-cost programs generally produce better completion rates, though exceptions exist.

What makes Tennessee attractive for biology students beyond tuition costs?

Tennessee's absence of state income tax effectively increases take-home pay for biology graduates throughout their careers. HCA Healthcare's presence in Nashville creates numerous opportunities in medical research and healthcare administration. The Tennessee Promise program also provides free community college, allowing students to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring to four-year biology programs.

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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.