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Best Value Human Biology Colleges

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

CUNY Hunter College delivers the nation's most affordable Human Biology education at just $2,446 net cost, while Stanford graduates earn $34,526 annually despite a $12,136 net price tag. This $30,150 cost gap between the lowest and highest-priced programs reflects dramatically different educational models serving the same career paths. Human Biology graduates often pursue positions in biotechnology companies, research institutions, and healthcare organizations concentrated along the East and West coasts, where starting salaries vary significantly by region. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with UCLA offering strong value at $14,013 net cost and 92.70% graduation rates. However, private institutions like Brown University charge $26,572 net but achieve 95.90% graduation rates, suggesting different approaches to student success. The wide earnings range from $26,817 to $34,526 indicates that program choice, location, and career direction significantly impact financial outcomes for Human Biology majors.
36
Programs
$2,446 – $38,802
Net Price Range
$30,664
Avg. Program Earnings
70.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Human Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,136 $34,526 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
2 $12,878 $31,189 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
3 $14,013 $32,925 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
4 $17,365 $28,598 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
5 $21,385 $32,925 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
6 $26,572 $27,669 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
7 $31,927 $26,817 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
8 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
9 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
10 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
11 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
12 $27,151 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%
13 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
14 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
15 $32,337 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
16 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
17 $33,596 $31,920 75.5% 91.6%
18 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
19 $29,794 $12,015 100.0%
20 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
21 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
22 $21,931 $17,450 43.0% 77.9%
23 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
24 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
25 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
26 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
27 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
28 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
29 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
30 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
31 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
32 $38,802 $63,434 87.1% 27.9%
33 $31,663 $62,692 83.2% 18.4%
34 $27,384 $64,150 95.2% 10.4%
35 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
36 $20,579 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College such an strong value for Human Biology students?

CUNY Hunter College offers the lowest net cost at $2,446 among all Human Biology programs, making it accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. The program maintains a 61.00% graduation rate with manageable debt levels of $11,250. Hunter's location in New York City provides access to numerous research institutions, hospitals, and biotechnology companies for internships and career opportunities.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for Human Biology programs?

Public universities consistently offer lower net costs, with schools like UCLA at $14,013 and University of Kansas at $17,365 compared to private institutions. Stanford, despite its $12,136 net cost, represents an outlier among private schools, while most private programs like USC cost $31,927. The 53% graduation rate gap between top public and private schools suggests different student support systems and academic approaches.

Does attending Stanford University justify the higher costs for Human Biology majors?

Stanford graduates earn the highest salaries at $34,526 annually with a 92.80% graduation rate, suggesting strong career preparation and networking opportunities. The $12,136 net cost remains reasonable due to generous financial aid, making it competitive with many public options. Stanford's Silicon Valley location provides unique access to biotechnology startups and research collaborations that may justify the investment for career-focused students.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and graduation rates?

UCLA represents the sweet spot with a $14,013 net cost and strong 92.70% graduation rate, rivaling elite private institutions. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers another strong option at $12,878 net cost, though with a lower 53.10% graduation rate. These schools demonstrate that high-quality Human Biology education doesn't require the highest price tags when students choose programs strategically.

What explains the $7,709 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid Human Biology graduates?

Stanford graduates earn $34,526 while USC graduates start at $26,817, reflecting regional job markets and alumni networks rather than just educational quality. California's biotechnology industry and higher cost of living contribute to elevated starting salaries compared to other regions. School reputation, internship opportunities, and career services also influence which companies recruit graduates and at what salary levels.

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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.