Skip to main content

Best Value Physiology Colleges

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

University of Connecticut dominates this list with four campuses appearing in the top 7 best value programs, yet their earnings tell only part of the story. While UConn graduates earn $36,560 annually, University of Florida students achieve similar career outcomes at $30,277 with a dramatically lower net cost of just $6,351. The physiology and pathology field benefits from strong regional healthcare networks, particularly in Florida where major medical centers and research institutions create steady demand for graduates. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers the most affordable path at $7,131 net cost, though with lower earnings at $24,035. Public universities clearly lead this ranking, with 14 of the 15 schools offering in-state advantages. The $10,000+ earnings gap between top and bottom performers reflects geographic salary variations and the field's close ties to local healthcare markets. San Francisco State graduates earn $34,942 despite California's high living costs, while Florida State provides strong value at $10,997 net cost with 83% graduation rates.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $37,899
Net Price Range
$28,224
Avg. Program Earnings
68.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $30,277 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $8,896 $36,560 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
3 $7,131 $24,035 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
4 $11,504 $36,560 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
5 $13,339 $36,560 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
6 $12,882 $34,942 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
7 $14,059 $36,560 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
8 $10,997 $25,434 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
9 $15,844 $32,569 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
10 $17,139 $34,393 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
11 $13,091 $25,967 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
12 $14,761 $28,816 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
13 $14,838 $28,753 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
14 $13,485 $25,452 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
15 $13,725 $25,580 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
16 $15,288 $28,381 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
17 $14,715 $26,997 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
18 $14,487 $26,121 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
19 $12,997 $21,660 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
20 $13,405 $22,192 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
21 $16,514 $27,181 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
22 $22,886 $36,560 $20,366 83.8% 54.5%
23 $14,013 $21,508 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
24 $17,485 $25,194 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
25 $21,994 $31,133 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
26 $15,960 $22,588 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
27 $21,480 $29,902 $16,430 75.0% 80.7%
28 $20,470 $28,236 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
29 $19,518 $26,458 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
30 $24,817 $32,391 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
31 $19,472 $24,532 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
32 $21,782 $25,812 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
33 $23,691 $27,334 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
34 $30,055 $32,925 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
35 $30,086 $31,305 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
36 $20,751 $21,508 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
37 $24,532 $25,366 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
38 $30,485 $31,133 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
39 $23,949 $24,421 $40,454 63.0% 96.6%
40 $36,803 $36,848 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
41 $27,654 $27,397 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
42 $26,067 $25,194 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
43 $29,664 $28,598 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
44 $37,899 $35,600 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
45 $32,965 $28,816 $50,510 74.1% 75.2%
46 $24,820 $21,234 $38,814 62.1% 90.7%
47 $24,137 $20,140 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
48 $36,371 $17,624 $53,500 86.9% 69.7%
49 $23,520 $34,740 61.8% 66.9%
50 $37,454 $64,990 85.2% 49.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the large cost differences between similar programs?

University of Florida charges just $6,351 net cost while University of Minnesota costs $17,139, nearly triple the price. Public universities dominate because physiology programs require expensive lab facilities that state funding helps subsidize. Regional branches like UConn-Waterbury often offer lower net costs at $8,896 compared to main campuses. The $10,788 spread between cheapest and most expensive reflects both state funding levels and local living costs.

How do graduation rates vary among top value programs?

University of Florida leads with 91.5% graduation rates, while Eastern Washington manages only 47.2% completion. The data shows a clear pattern where research universities like Florida State (83%) and University of Minnesota (84.8%) achieve higher graduation rates. Regional campuses typically see lower completion rates, with most UConn branches hovering around 56-65%. Schools with graduation rates above 80% generally offer stronger academic support and research opportunities.

Does geographic location significantly impact earnings potential?

California and Connecticut graduates earn the highest salaries, with San Francisco State at $34,942 and all UConn campuses at $36,560. Florida graduates earn $25,434-$30,277 despite lower living costs, creating better purchasing power. The $14,900 earnings gap between highest and lowest reflects regional healthcare markets and cost of living adjustments. Western states generally offer higher nominal salaries but also face higher living expenses.

What role do acceptance rates play in program value?

Most programs accept over 90% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible compared to other health fields. University of Florida stands out with only 23.35% acceptance, yet offers the best overall value proposition. Florida State accepts just 25.04% of applicants while maintaining strong graduation rates at 83%. High acceptance rates at regional campuses like UConn-Waterbury (97.91%) provide alternative pathways into the field without sacrificing earning potential.

Is student debt a major concern in these programs?

Average debt loads range from $12,082 at Brigham Young University-Idaho to $24,230 at SUNY Brockport, showing manageable borrowing levels. Most graduates carry debt between $16,000-$22,000, which aligns reasonably with starting salaries of $24,000-$36,000. University of Florida combines the lowest net cost with moderate debt at $16,776, creating the strongest debt-to-income ratio. Private nonprofit options like BYU-Idaho offer competitive debt levels despite different funding structures.

More Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Rankings

Cheapest Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Under $20,000

Related

All Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.