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Best Value Biology Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia Military Institute stands apart in biology education with graduates earning $41,007 annually, nearly $13,000 more than the next highest earner among Virginia's biology programs. This military academy's 82% graduation rate reflects the discipline and rigor that translates into career success. At the other end of the spectrum, Old Dominion University offers the state's lowest net cost at $14,170, making quality biology education accessible to students from all backgrounds. The $13,679 gap between the most and least expensive programs creates distinct pathways for different financial situations. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies like the CDC's Virginia laboratory and defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman creates steady demand for biology graduates in government research, environmental consulting, and biotechnology roles. The state's 20 biology programs range from $14,170 to $27,786 in net costs, with earnings spanning $20,140 to $41,007. Public universities dominate the value equation, occupying 11 of the top 15 spots for affordability while maintaining competitive graduation rates.
38
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$28,167
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,849 $41,007 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
2 $14,553 $28,055 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
3 $14,170 $27,254 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $18,287 $34,942 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
5 $16,640 $29,141 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $28,055 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,436 $28,598 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
8 $20,814 $30,047 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
9 $21,108 $29,064 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
10 $25,153 $33,993 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
11 $19,452 $25,889 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
12 $21,816 $28,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
13 $20,173 $26,353 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
14 $22,197 $28,697 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
15 $22,881 $27,729 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
16 $23,383 $28,212 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
17 $27,759 $30,988 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
18 $23,790 $26,403 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
19 $27,786 $30,771 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
20 $20,583 $20,140 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
21 $22,529 $21,356 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
22 $29,552 $26,933 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
23 $22,263 $20,140 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
24 $32,145 $28,236 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
25 $33,417 $23,351 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
26 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
27 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
28 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
29 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
30 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
31 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
32 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
33 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
34 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
35 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
36 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
37 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
38 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute biology graduates earn so much more?

VMI biology graduates earn $41,007 annually, significantly outpacing other Virginia programs where earnings typically range from $25,000 to $35,000. The institute's military structure builds leadership skills and discipline that employers value highly. VMI's 82% graduation rate, well above many peers, suggests students develop the persistence needed for advanced science careers. The combination of rigorous academics and character development creates graduates who command premium salaries in government and private sector positions.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for biology?

Public universities dominate Virginia's best value biology programs, with net costs ranging from $14,170 at Old Dominion to $22,881 at UVA. Private colleges like Mary Baldwin and Randolph charge $17,833 and $18,436 respectively, making them surprisingly competitive with mid-tier public options. The VTAG grant helps Virginia students at private institutions, narrowing the traditional cost gap. Most public programs cluster between $14,000-$22,000, while private options span $17,000-$25,000.

Where do biology graduates find the best job opportunities in Virginia?

Northern Virginia offers the highest concentration of biology-related federal positions, particularly with agencies conducting environmental and health research. Defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton hire biology graduates for research and consulting roles. The Richmond and Virginia Beach areas provide opportunities in healthcare systems like Inova Health and pharmaceutical companies. Graduates also find positions in Virginia's growing biotechnology sector and environmental consulting firms serving the state's military installations.

Does a higher net cost guarantee better earning potential?

VMI proves this relationship isn't straightforward, combining a moderate $18,849 net cost with the state's highest biology earnings at $41,007. Meanwhile, expensive programs don't always deliver proportional returns. UVA charges $22,881 but graduates earn just $27,729, while George Mason costs $18,287 yet produces $34,942 earners. Old Dominion offers strong value with the lowest cost at $14,170 and respectable $27,254 earnings, demonstrating that affordable doesn't mean low-quality.

What graduation rates should biology students expect across Virginia programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 41% at Virginia State University to 95% at the University of Virginia. Most competitive programs maintain rates above 65%, with VMI at 82%, James Madison at 81%, and Christopher Newport at 75%. Several schools cluster around 50-60%, including Mary Baldwin at 56% and Radford at 50%. Students should weigh these completion rates against program costs, as higher graduation rates often correlate with better support systems and academic resources.

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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.