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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn offers the state's most affordable biology program at just $10,904 net cost, while University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $42,682 annually despite higher upfront costs. This $31,778 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid biology graduates reflects Michigan's varied career paths, from research roles at pharmaceutical companies to positions in the state's growing biotechnology sector. Michigan's automotive giants like Ford and GM increasingly hire biology graduates for biomaterials research and environmental compliance roles. The 15 programs span net costs from $10,904 to $17,185, with public universities claiming 11 of the 15 most affordable spots. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor maintains a 93.20% graduation rate while charging $14,832 net cost, proving that affordability doesn't always correlate with outcomes. Ferris State University accepts 87.88% of applicants but graduates only 47.90%, highlighting the importance of matching program selectivity with student preparation levels.
33
Programs
$10,904 – $33,995
Net Price Range
$28,750
Avg. Program Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
3 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
4 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
5 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
6 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
7 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
8 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
9 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
10 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
12 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%
13 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
17 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
18 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
19 $18,701 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
20 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
21 $18,902 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
22 $19,245 $27,938 41.4% 71.4%
23 $20,751 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
24 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
25 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
26 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
27 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
28 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
29 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
30 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
31 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
32 $33,092 $46,380 70.5% 80.8%
33 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $31,778 difference in earnings between Michigan biology programs?

University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $42,682 annually compared to $17,508 at Ferris State University. This gap reflects career path differences, with private university graduates often entering higher-paying pharmaceutical and medical device roles. Location also matters, as Detroit-area biology jobs typically pay more than rural positions. The investment in a private education can pay off through industry connections and specialized research opportunities.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable Michigan biology programs?

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor leads with a 93.20% graduation rate despite charging $14,832 net cost. In contrast, Ferris State University graduates just 47.90% of students while costing only $12,202 annually. Eastern Michigan University shows similar struggles with a 45.50% graduation rate at $17,084 net cost. Students should weigh lower upfront costs against the risk of not completing their degree.

Does Michigan's automotive industry hire biology graduates?

Yes, Ford, GM, and Stellantis increasingly recruit biology graduates for biomaterials research, environmental compliance, and sustainability initiatives. These companies need biologists to develop bio-based materials for vehicle manufacturing and meet environmental regulations. Michigan Technological University graduates earn $32,925 annually, often securing positions that bridge biology and engineering. The state's automotive evolution toward electric vehicles creates new opportunities for biology graduates in battery technology and materials science.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the extra cost over other public options?

At $14,832 net cost, Michigan-Ann Arbor costs $3,928 more than University of Michigan-Dearborn but offers a 93.20% graduation rate. Graduates earn $30,409 annually with just $18,762 in debt, the lowest debt burden among major research universities. The 17.69% acceptance rate means getting in is challenging, but successful students benefit from extensive research opportunities and strong alumni networks in Michigan's life sciences sector.

Where do biology graduates find the best job prospects in Michigan?

Detroit and Grand Rapids offer the highest concentrations of biology-related jobs, particularly in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn $42,682 annually, benefiting from proximity to major healthcare systems and research facilities. Western Michigan near Kalamazoo hosts several pharmaceutical companies, while the Ann Arbor corridor supports numerous biotechnology startups. Rural areas offer fewer opportunities, which partly explains lower earnings at schools like Ferris State University.

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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.