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SUNY at Fredonia delivers the state's most affordable Biological and Biomedical Sciences program at just $15,644 net cost, while Columbia University commands $20,148 despite its $69,045 sticker price through generous financial aid. The $20,356 gap between cheapest and most expensive options reflects New York's stark educational market. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four SUNY campuses ranking in the top six for value. New York's biotech corridor along the I-495 corridor and research hospitals like Memorial Sloan Kettering create strong demand for specialized biological sciences graduates. Earnings data shows Russell Sage College graduates earning $40,791 annually, nearly $14,000 more than Albany graduates at $26,997, highlighting how program focus and regional connections influence career outcomes in this broad field.
15
Programs
$15,644 – $36,000
Net Price Range
$35,431
Avg. Program Earnings
69.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
2 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
3 $18,244 $33,724 58.4% 79.9%
4 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
5 $18,730 $9,206 69.9% 69.5%
6 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
7 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
8 $20,709 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
9 $23,027 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
10 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
11 $27,151 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%
12 $32,337 $66,014 95.1% 7.5%
13 $32,697 $44,405 75.8% 80.4%
14 $33,139 $61,884 83.2% 64.5%
15 $36,000 $66,456 85.3% 46.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Columbia's surprisingly low net cost compared to other private schools?

Columbia's $20,148 net cost stems from strong financial aid that reduces the $69,045 sticker price by 71%. This puts Columbia below several less expensive private schools like Russell Sage College at $23,027 and Long Island University at $23,901. The university's $42 billion endowment enables need-based aid that makes it more affordable than many regional private colleges for qualifying students.

How do SUNY schools compare for biological sciences value?

Four SUNY campuses rank among the six most affordable options, with Fredonia leading at $15,644 and Cobleskill close behind at $17,980. SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry stands out with a 69.9% graduation rate, significantly higher than Cobleskill's 40.9%. Albany offers the middle ground at $18,486 with solid 63.9% graduation rates and concrete earnings data showing $26,997 average income.

Is the graduation rate gap between schools concerning for this major?

Graduation rates span from 40.9% at SUNY Cobleskill to 95.1% at Cornell, a 54-point difference that reflects both institutional resources and student preparation levels. The technical nature of biological sciences requires strong foundational knowledge, making school support systems critical. Mid-tier options like SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry achieve 69.9% graduation rates while maintaining affordable $18,730 costs.

Where do biological sciences graduates typically find employment in New York?

New York's biotech corridor along Long Island and research institutions in Manhattan and Syracuse provide numerous opportunities for biological sciences graduates. Russell Sage College graduates earn $40,791 annually, likely reflecting the school's proximity to Albany's growing life sciences sector. The state's pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals, and environmental agencies actively recruit graduates with specialized biological sciences training beyond traditional pre-med tracks.

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