Cheapest Biology Colleges in Maryland

Biology programs in Maryland reveal stark cost differences that could impact career trajectories for decades. Coppin State University offers the most affordable path at just $6,007 net cost, while private institutions like Hood College reach $23,707. The gap becomes more striking when considering that Coppin State graduates earn $38,289 annually, outpacing many programs costing three times more. Maryland's proximity to federal research agencies creates unique opportunities for biology students. The National Institutes of Health, located in Bethesda, employs thousands of researchers and offers internships that can launch careers in biomedical research. Additionally, the state's growing biotechnology corridor between Baltimore and Washington provides entry-level positions in pharmaceutical companies and research organizations. Students can access quality education at public institutions like University of Maryland-College Park, where the $15,590 net cost produces graduates earning $25,484. The 20 programs span from historically black colleges to research universities, each offering different advantages for students planning careers in healthcare, research, or biotechnology fields throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Programs

$6,007 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$29,084

Avg. Program Earnings

59.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Coppin State University Baltimore, Maryland	$6,007	$7,001	25.6%	45.0%
2	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
3	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
4	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
5	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
7	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
8	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
9	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
10	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
11	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
12	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
13	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
14	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
15	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
16	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
17	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
18	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
19	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
20	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Coppin State University such an affordable option for biology students?

Coppin State University offers the lowest net cost at $6,007 for biology students, with in-state tuition at just $7,001. The school maintains a 44.95% acceptance rate, making it accessible to students with various academic backgrounds. Despite the low cost, graduates earn $38,289 annually, which exceeds the earnings at several more expensive programs in the state.

How do graduation rates vary among Maryland's most affordable biology programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 25.60% at Coppin State to 94.60% at Johns Hopkins University. Mid-tier options like Salisbury University achieve 67.40% graduation rates at $16,456 net cost. University of Maryland-College Park combines strong outcomes with affordability, graduating 88.60% of students at $15,590 net cost.

Does attending a more expensive biology program guarantee higher earnings?

The data shows no clear correlation between program cost and graduate earnings in Maryland. Coppin State graduates earn $38,289 despite the $6,007 program cost, while University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $25,484 from a $15,590 program. Some expensive private programs produce similar or lower earnings than their affordable public counterparts.

Where can biology students find the best value considering both cost and outcomes?

Salisbury University offers strong value with a $16,456 net cost, 67.40% graduation rate, and $31,964 graduate earnings. Towson University presents similar appeal at $16,791 with 67.60% graduation rates and $29,829 earnings. Both schools balance affordability with solid academic outcomes and reasonable debt loads under $22,000.

What role does Maryland's location play in biology career opportunities?

Maryland's position between Baltimore and Washington creates access to federal research agencies, biotechnology companies, and medical institutions. The National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins medical facilities, and emerging biotech corridor provide internships and entry-level positions. This proximity allows students from any of the 20 programs to access competitive opportunities regardless of their school's individual ranking or cost.

More Biology, General Rankings

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

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

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