Cheapest Biology Colleges in Alabama

University of North Alabama leads Alabama's most affordable biology programs at just $11,024 net cost, nearly $2,500 less than the next cheapest option. This price advantage comes with decent career outcomes, as biology graduates from UNA earn $28,870 annually, well above the state's lowest earner at Alabama State University where graduates make $16,992. The state's biology programs range from $11,024 to $23,351, with public universities dominating the lower end of the spectrum. Alabama's growing aerospace sector, anchored by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Airbus manufacturing, creates opportunities for biology graduates in biotechnology and environmental science roles. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across programs, from Miles College's 25.7% to Talladega College's 65%. Students planning biology careers should weigh these completion rates against affordability, especially given that median debt loads reach $31,000 at Alabama State University compared to $20,205 at University of North Alabama.

Programs

$11,024 – $32,977

Net Price Range

$25,863

Avg. Program Earnings

51.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama	$11,024	$11,990	54.0%	95.7%
2	Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$12,272	$11,392	41.0%	64.5%
3	Talladega College Talladega, Alabama	$13,461	$15,650	65.0%
4	University of West Alabama Livingston, Alabama	$13,832	$10,990	38.0%	68.9%
5	Troy University Troy, Alabama	$13,869	$9,792	46.8%	94.8%
6	Alabama State University Montgomery, Alabama	$13,889	$11,248	30.2%	96.6%
7	Miles College Fairfield, Alabama	$14,514	$12,714	25.7%
8	Alabama A & M University Normal, Alabama	$14,559	$10,024	28.7%	68.4%
9	Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, Alabama	$14,596	$9,436	35.7%	92.2%
10	Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, Alabama	$14,850	$12,426	51.1%	78.5%
11	University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama	$15,142	$9,676	52.6%	65.4%
12	University of Montevallo Montevallo, Alabama	$17,053	$13,710	49.4%	59.8%
13	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama	$17,727	$8,832	62.4%	86.7%
14	Spring Hill College Mobile, Alabama	$19,514	$23,270	56.1%	72.6%
15	University of Mobile Mobile, Alabama	$19,603	$26,120	55.5%	84.1%
16	University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, Alabama	$19,880	$11,770	61.9%	78.1%
17	Faulkner University Montgomery, Alabama	$21,165	$23,920	37.7%	82.4%
18	Huntingdon College Montgomery, Alabama	$21,401	$28,650	46.9%	66.0%
19	The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$22,150	$11,900	73.7%	80.1%
20	Birmingham-Southern College Birmingham, Alabama	$23,351	$22,750	64.2%	57.2%
21	Oakwood University Huntsville, Alabama	$23,384	$21,838	49.9%	68.1%
22	Auburn University Auburn, Alabama	$23,897	$12,536	79.2%	43.7%
23	Samford University Birmingham, Alabama	$30,795	$38,144	79.9%	83.3%
24	Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama	$32,977	$23,440	57.1%	29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $12,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive biology programs?

Public universities dominate the affordable end, with University of North Alabama costing $11,024 compared to private Spring Hill College at $23,270. In-state tuition benefits significantly reduce costs at public schools, with Troy University charging just $9,792 for residents. Private colleges lack state funding, resulting in higher sticker prices even after financial aid.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Alabama biology programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Spring Hill College graduates 56.1% of students at $23,270 net cost, while University of North Alabama achieves 54% at $11,024. However, Miles College graduates only 25.7% despite charging $14,514, showing cost alone doesn't guarantee success.

Does attending a more expensive biology program lead to higher earnings?

Not necessarily in Alabama's market. University of Montevallo graduates earn the highest at $32,569 despite moderate $17,053 costs, while Alabama State University graduates earn just $16,992 at $13,889 net price. Location and program quality matter more than tuition levels for career outcomes.

What job opportunities exist for biology graduates in Alabama's economy?

Alabama's aerospace industry employs biologists in environmental compliance and materials testing roles at companies like Airbus and NASA Marshall. The state's automotive manufacturing sector also needs environmental scientists and quality control specialists. Agricultural research positions exist throughout the state's farming regions, particularly in biotechnology applications.

Is student debt manageable for Alabama biology graduates given their earning potential?

Debt-to-income ratios vary widely across programs. University of North Alabama graduates manage $20,205 debt against $28,870 earnings, creating a reasonable 70% ratio. However, Alabama State University graduates face $31,000 debt with only $16,992 income, resulting in an unsustainable 182% debt burden that requires careful financial planning.

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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.