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Best Value Biology Colleges in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin's most affordable biology program at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay costs just $12,878 annually, yet graduates earn $26,121 starting salaries. This creates an unusual pattern where the state's cheapest option produces the lowest earnings, while Carroll University's $24,362 program leads to $36,992 median salaries. The 20 biology programs across Wisconsin show a clear earnings divide between public universities averaging around $30,000 and select private institutions reaching higher salary ranges. Wisconsin's growing healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, provides strong career pathways for biology graduates. The University of Wisconsin system dominates the value market with 12 programs offering in-state tuition below $11,500. Most Wisconsin biology programs maintain acceptance rates above 80 percent, making admission accessible while graduation rates vary dramatically from 44 percent at UW-Superior to 89 percent at UW-Madison.
29
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$30,662
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,405 $30,949 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
2 $15,374 $34,872 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
3 $14,761 $31,996 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
4 $14,785 $31,676 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
5 $14,754 $30,650 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
6 $14,714 $30,228 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
7 $12,878 $26,121 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
8 $13,726 $26,270 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
9 $16,722 $31,133 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
10 $16,948 $30,988 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
11 $16,177 $28,327 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
12 $16,928 $28,598 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
13 $24,362 $36,992 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
14 $21,315 $31,670 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
15 $21,176 $31,133 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
16 $24,813 $33,565 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
17 $23,341 $30,409 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
18 $25,674 $32,925 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
19 $25,634 $31,848 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
20 $20,780 $25,194 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
21 $26,067 $31,133 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
22 $29,237 $33,352 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
23 $24,563 $25,194 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
24 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
25 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
26 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
27 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
28 $22,092 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
29 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,871 earnings gap between the highest and lowest paying biology programs in Wisconsin?

Carroll University graduates earn $36,992 compared to $26,121 at UW-Green Bay, reflecting differences in program focus and career preparation. Private institutions like Carroll often provide smaller class sizes and specialized research opportunities that translate to higher starting salaries. However, Carroll's net cost of $24,362 is nearly double that of UW-Green Bay at $12,878, creating a complex value equation for students.

How do University of Wisconsin system schools compare for biology value?

UW-La Crosse offers the best combination within the system with $34,872 earnings and a $15,374 net cost, plus a strong 71.2 percent graduation rate. UW-Madison provides the highest graduation rate at 89.3 percent but lower earnings of $28,598 despite similar costs. UW-Superior presents the most affordable option at $13,405 but has concerning graduation and earnings outcomes that prospective students should carefully consider.

Does attending a private college for biology in Wisconsin justify the higher costs?

Carroll University produces the highest earnings at $36,992 but costs $24,362 annually, creating a significant financial trade-off. Wisconsin Lutheran College and Ripon College charge over $20,000 but generate similar earnings to several public options around $31,000. Students must weigh whether the potential salary premium of $5,000 to $7,000 annually justifies nearly doubling their educational investment.

Where do Wisconsin biology graduates find employment opportunities?

Wisconsin's healthcare sector employs many biology graduates through companies like GE Healthcare and the state's expanding hospital systems. Epic Systems, the major healthcare software company, actively recruits science graduates for technical and analytical roles. The state's agriculture and manufacturing industries also provide opportunities in quality control, research, and product development, particularly given Wisconsin's leadership in dairy and food production.

What student debt levels should biology majors expect in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin biology programs generate debt levels between $19,000 and $27,000, with UW-River Falls showing the lowest at $19,500. Carroll University's debt of $27,000 aligns with its higher costs but remains manageable given the $36,992 earning potential. UW-Milwaukee shows concerning debt of $26,000 paired with lower earnings of $28,327, suggesting students should carefully evaluate this program's return on investment.

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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.