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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands out dramatically in Kentucky's biology market, charging just $4,483 net annually while private competitors average over $13,000. This unusual pricing gap reflects Berea's unique work-study model, where students contribute labor instead of traditional tuition payments. Kentucky's biology graduates earn between $17,033 and $36,668, with Murray State producing the highest earners despite charging only $9,121 net. The state's healthcare sector, anchored by Humana's Louisville headquarters, creates steady demand for biology graduates in medical research, pharmaceutical development, and clinical laboratory roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with five schools under $10,000 net cost. Northern Kentucky University offers particularly strong value at $7,168 net, producing graduates who earn $34,526 annually. The 20 programs show remarkable variation in outcomes, from Eastern Kentucky's concerning $17,033 graduate earnings to Murray State's impressive $36,668 figure. Kentucky's KEES scholarship program helps reduce costs further for high-achieving students, making these already affordable biology programs even more accessible for residents who maintained strong academic records in high school.
25
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$25,600
Avg. Program Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $8,900 $9,214 27.1% 91.5%
4 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
5 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
6 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
7 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
8 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
9 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
10 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
11 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
12 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
13 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
14 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
15 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
16 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
17 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
18 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
19 $21,497 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
20 $22,139 $25,000 33.8% 44.4%
21 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
22 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
23 $23,863 $26,080 46.4% 93.8%
24 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
25 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's biology program cost just $4,483 when other private schools charge over $13,000?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where students work on campus to offset tuition costs. While the sticker price reaches $49,326, financial aid and the work program reduce net costs to $4,483. The college maintains a 24.58% acceptance rate and 62% graduation rate. This model has made Berea one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation.

How do earnings vary among Kentucky biology graduates from different schools?

Biology graduate earnings range from $17,033 at Eastern Kentucky University to $36,668 at Murray State University, creating a $19,635 gap. Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $34,526 despite the program costing just $7,168 net. University of Louisville graduates earn $29,685, while Kentucky State graduates make $24,421. The variation suggests program quality and career services differ significantly across institutions.

Is there a relationship between program cost and graduation rates in Kentucky biology programs?

The most expensive program, University of Kentucky at $17,218 net, has the highest graduation rate at 69.9%. However, Berea College achieves 62% graduation rates at just $4,483 net cost. Several affordable public options like Kentucky State and Alice Lloyd have concerning graduation rates below 30%. Murray State provides good value with 59.5% graduation rates for $9,121 net cost.

Does Kentucky's KEES scholarship significantly impact biology program affordability?

The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship provides up to $2,500 annually for students with strong high school GPAs and ACT scores. This award stacks with need-based aid at public universities, potentially reducing costs at schools like Northern Kentucky University below $5,000 net. The scholarship renews for four years with maintained college GPA requirements. Students with 3.5+ high school GPAs and 28+ ACT scores receive maximum awards.

Where do biology graduates find employment opportunities within Kentucky's economy?

Humana's Louisville headquarters employs biology graduates in health analytics and medical research roles. Toyota's Georgetown facility hires environmental and quality control scientists. The bourbon industry, including companies like Brown-Forman, needs microbiologists and biochemists for production processes. University research facilities at UK and UofL provide additional laboratory and research positions for recent graduates seeking experience before graduate school.

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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.