Skip to main content

Cheapest Biology Colleges in Florida

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

St Petersburg College offers Florida's most affordable biology program with a negative net cost of $52, meaning students actually receive more in aid than tuition costs. This stark contrast to private options like Edward Waters University at $13,580 highlights the value gap between public and private institutions across the state's 15 biology programs. Florida's booming healthcare sector, which employs over 1.2 million residents, creates strong demand for biology graduates who can transition into medical fields, research positions, or biotechnology roles. The earnings range spans from $17,745 to $41,193 annually, with Indian River State College graduates commanding the highest salaries despite the program's low $5,202 net cost. University of Florida maintains the strongest graduation rate at 91.5% while keeping costs reasonable at $6,351 net price. The state's Bright Futures scholarship program significantly reduces costs for qualifying students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible for Florida residents pursuing biology careers.
38
Programs
$-52 – $38,222
Net Price Range
$24,768
Avg. Program Earnings
55.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
3 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
4 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
5 $5,929 $2,838 44.7%
6 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
7 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
8 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
9 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
10 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
11 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
12 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
13 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
14 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
15 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
16 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
17 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
18 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
19 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
20 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
21 $21,318 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
22 $22,978 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
23 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
24 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
25 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
26 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
27 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
28 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
29 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
30 $31,885 $20,880 35.6% 33.7%
31 $32,751 $37,990 58.9% 94.7%
32 $33,011 $50,374 67.6% 65.1%
33 $33,847 $58,300 76.9% 50.0%
34 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
35 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
36 $35,634 $33,424 61.9% 26.4%
37 $36,803 $59,926 84.2% 18.9%
38 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St Petersburg College's biology program cost-effective?

St Petersburg College charges a negative net price of $52, meaning financial aid exceeds program costs for typical students. The low in-state tuition of $2,682 combines with generous aid packages to create this unusual situation. Graduates earn a median of $33,565 annually, providing solid returns despite the program's 37.5% graduation rate. This makes it Florida's most affordable option for biology study.

How do University of Florida's two biology programs compare?

UF's traditional campus program costs $6,351 net with a 91.5% graduation rate and 23.35% acceptance rate. The online version costs $4,702 net with a 77.7% graduation rate and higher 64.64% acceptance rate. Both programs report identical median earnings of $17,745 and $15,000 median debt. The online option provides greater accessibility while maintaining strong completion rates.

Is Indian River State College worth considering for biology?

Indian River State College graduates earn the highest median salary at $41,193 among Florida biology programs. The net cost of $5,202 creates an excellent value proposition with a 42.5% graduation rate. Located in Fort Pierce, the college serves students interested in marine biology and coastal research opportunities. The program balances affordability with strong earning potential for graduates.

Does Florida's job market support biology graduates?

Florida's healthcare industry employs over 1.2 million people, creating demand for biology-trained workers in hospitals, research facilities, and biotechnology companies. The state's lack of income tax increases take-home pay competitiveness for the $17,745 to $41,193 salary range. Major employers include Moffitt Cancer Center, Scripps Research, and numerous pharmaceutical companies. Tourism and environmental sectors also hire biology graduates for conservation and research roles.

Where can students find the best value in Florida biology programs?

Public colleges dominate the value rankings, with 14 of the 15 most affordable options being state institutions. Net costs range from negative $52 at St Petersburg College to $10,997 at Florida State University among public schools. Edward Waters University represents the lone private option at $13,580 net cost. The University of Florida system offers multiple pathways with strong graduation rates above 77% at reasonable costs.

More Biology, General Rankings

Best Value Biology, General in Florida Biology, General Under $20,000 in Florida

Related

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in Florida Best Biology, General in Florida

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