Skip to main content

Cheapest Biochemistry Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Harvard University and Framingham State University both offer net costs around $16,700 for Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, yet their acceptance rates differ by 84 percentage points. This unusual pricing convergence stems from Harvard's substantial financial aid that brings its $59,076 sticker price down to match public school affordability. Massachusetts hosts over 600 biotech companies concentrated in the Cambridge-Boston corridor, creating strong demand for molecular biology graduates. The state's public universities like UMass-Amherst charge in-state students $17,357 while delivering 83% graduation rates. Private colleges show wider variation, with net costs ranging from Amherst College at $18,246 to Clark University at $27,711. Boston University graduates earn $34,348 annually with $25,000 in debt, while UMass-Boston graduates earn $38,289 with $23,125 in debt. The MassGrant Plus program helps bridge funding gaps for middle-income families attending public institutions.
30
Programs
$16,698 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$35,073
Avg. Program Earnings
75.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
2 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
3 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
4 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
5 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
6 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
7 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
8 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
9 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
10 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
11 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
12 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
13 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
15 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
16 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
17 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
18 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
19 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
20 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
21 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
22 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
23 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
24 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
25 $35,084 $38,850 63.3% 88.3%
26 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
27 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
28 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
29 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
30 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Harvard's surprisingly low net cost of $16,816 for biochemistry students?

Harvard's generous financial aid program reduces the $59,076 sticker price to levels comparable with public universities. Families earning under $85,000 pay nothing, while those earning up to $150,000 pay no more than 10% of income. The 97.3% graduation rate and 3.24% acceptance rate reflect the university's selectivity. This makes Harvard one of the most affordable options despite its private status.

How do public university costs compare across Massachusetts for this major?

Framingham State offers the lowest net cost at $16,698 with an 87.41% acceptance rate and 49.5% graduation rate. UMass-Boston costs $18,282 with better career outcomes, including $38,289 average earnings. Salem State sits in between at $18,441 with a 55% graduation rate and 92.66% acceptance rate. UMass-Amherst commands the highest public cost at $23,691 but delivers an 83.2% graduation rate.

Does the biotech industry in Massachusetts justify these program costs?

The Boston area hosts companies like Moderna, Biogen, and Genzyme, creating strong job markets for molecular biology graduates. UMass-Boston graduates earn $38,289 annually, which exceeds the program's $18,282 net cost within the first year. Boston University graduates earn $34,348 with higher debt loads of $25,000. The state's concentration of biotech firms provides internship opportunities and direct pathways to employment.

Where do acceptance rates create the biggest opportunities for students?

Salem State accepts 92.66% of applicants with a net cost of $18,441 and 55% graduation rate. Framingham State admits 87.41% of students at $16,698 but shows a lower 49.5% completion rate. American International College accepts 89.36% of applicants but costs $25,299. These schools provide accessible entry points compared to highly selective options like Harvard at 3.24% acceptance.

Is there a graduation rate threshold that justifies higher costs?

Schools with graduation rates above 80% include Harvard at 97.3%, Amherst at 93.4%, Wellesley at 91.2%, and Boston University at 90%. UMass-Amherst achieves 83.2% graduation rates at a $23,691 net cost, making it competitive with private options. Schools below 60% graduation rates like Framingham State at 49.5% and Hampshire at 57.2% present higher completion risks despite lower costs.

More Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Rankings

Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology in Massachusetts Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology in Massachusetts

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