Cheapest Biology Colleges in Georgia

Gordon State College graduates earn $36,992 annually, the highest among Georgia's most affordable biology programs, despite having just a 17.30% graduation rate. This stark contrast highlights the complex market of biological education value across the state's public institutions. At the other end, Dalton State College offers the lowest net cost at $4,694 while maintaining a respectable 29.60% graduation rate. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship makes these programs even more accessible for in-state students maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The state's growing biotechnology sector, particularly around Atlanta's research institutions and medical facilities, creates opportunities for biology graduates in pharmaceutical companies, environmental consulting firms, and agricultural research. With net costs ranging from $4,694 to $13,922, students can find quality biological education without excessive debt loads. Most programs show graduates earning between $21,964 and $36,992, reflecting the varied career paths available to biology majors in Georgia's expanding life sciences industry.

Programs

$4,694 – $36,828

Net Price Range

$26,438

Avg. Program Earnings

43.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

49 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia	$4,694	$3,283	29.6%
2	Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta, Georgia	$5,090	$3,105	14.3%
3	Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton, Georgia	$6,061	$3,195	29.1%	67.0%
4	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$5,498	25.2%
5	Gordon State College Barnesville, Georgia	$8,918	$3,475	17.3%	93.3%
6	South Georgia State College Douglas, Georgia	$9,300	$2,970	20.3%
7	East Georgia State College Swainsboro, Georgia	$9,380	$2,736	13.8%
8	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
9	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
10	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008	$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
11	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
12	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609	$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
13	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696	$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
14	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
15	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
16	College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Georgia	$12,905	$3,483	25.6%	98.3%
17	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, Georgia	$13,289	$11,764	92.3%	17.1%
18	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
19	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
20	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922	$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
21	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$5,934	22.8%
22	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528	$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
23	Paine College Augusta, Georgia	$15,074	$14,596	21.7%	51.5%
24	University of West Georgia Carrollton, Georgia	$15,450	$5,971	42.7%	80.1%
25	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
26	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
27	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
28	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
29	LaGrange College Lagrange, Georgia	$17,805	$34,540	41.8%	59.1%
30	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
31	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297	$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
32	Thomas University Thomasville, Georgia	$19,313	$11,640	27.8%	46.1%
33	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133	$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
34	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752	$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
35	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786	$33,275	35.4%	86.6%
36	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
37	Berry College Mount Berry, Georgia	$21,568	$40,416	73.9%	66.3%
38	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735	$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
39	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983	$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
40	Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia	$22,328	$25,568	41.1%	80.8%
41	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
42	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911	$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
43	Agnes Scott College Decatur, Georgia	$24,224	$48,150	70.5%	66.5%
44	Covenant College Lookout Mountain, Georgia	$24,832	$40,464	71.9%	84.1%
45	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769	$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
46	Life University Marietta, Georgia	$30,257	$15,036	32.1%	97.8%
47	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115	$26,446	47.8%	56.3%
48	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949	$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
49	Spelman College Atlanta, Georgia	$36,828	$30,058	76.1%	28.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College the most affordable option for biology students?

Dalton State College charges just $4,694 in net costs, the lowest among Georgia's biology programs. In-state students pay only $3,283 in tuition after aid, making it extremely accessible. Graduates earn $29,685 annually with manageable debt of $8,454. The 29.60% graduation rate, while modest, shows that students who complete the program achieve solid financial outcomes.

How do graduation rates compare across Georgia's cheapest biology programs?

Young Harris College leads with a 45.70% graduation rate, followed closely by Fort Valley State at 45.20%. However, several schools struggle with retention, including East Georgia State at just 13.80% and Atlanta Metropolitan State at 14.30%. The variation suggests that cost alone shouldn't drive decisions, as completion rates significantly impact long-term value.

Is the HOPE Scholarship available for all these biology programs?

Yes, Georgia residents with a 3.0 GPA qualify for HOPE Scholarship funding at all public institutions listed. This covers a significant portion of tuition costs, which range from $2,736 at East Georgia State to $6,007 at Valdosta State. The scholarship makes programs like Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College particularly attractive at just $3,195 in-state tuition.

Where do biology graduates from these schools typically find employment in Georgia?

Georgia's biotechnology corridor around Atlanta employs many graduates in pharmaceutical research and medical device companies. The state's agricultural sector, particularly strong in south Georgia near schools like Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, offers positions in crop research and environmental science. Coastal areas near Savannah State provide marine biology and environmental consulting opportunities. Average earnings range from $18,154 to $36,992 depending on the specific career path and location.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee better outcomes?

Not necessarily, based on Georgia's biology program data. Gordon State College produces the highest-earning graduates at $36,992 despite moderate net costs of $8,918. Clayton State University graduates also earn $36,848 with a strong 35.40% graduation rate. Meanwhile, some programs with higher costs show lower earnings, suggesting that program quality and student fit matter more than price alone.

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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.