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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands apart from Missouri's other biology programs with a net price of just $7,669, despite being a private institution with a highly selective 21.13% acceptance rate. This stark contrast highlights how Missouri's biology programs span from ultra-affordable options to mid-range choices reaching $18,094 at the higher end. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with Missouri Southern State University offering biology training for $11,653 net cost while maintaining near-universal admission. The state's strong healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner, creates solid career pathways for biology graduates. Earnings potential varies significantly across programs, with Missouri Western State University graduates earning $37,568 compared to Central Methodist University graduates at $25,194. Missouri's A+ Scholarship program adds another layer of affordability by covering community college tuition, helping students reduce costs through transfer pathways into four-year biology programs.
41
Programs
$7,669 – $33,596
Net Price Range
$29,275
Avg. Program Earnings
54.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
6 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
7 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
8 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
9 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
10 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
11 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
12 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
13 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
14 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
15 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
16 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
17 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
18 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
19 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
20 $18,094 $9,000 81.8%
21 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
22 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
23 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
24 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
25 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
26 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
27 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
28 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
29 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
30 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
31 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
32 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
33 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
34 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
35 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
36 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
37 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
38 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
39 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
40 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
41 $33,596 $31,920 75.5% 91.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so affordable despite being private?

College of the Ozarks operates as a work college where students work on campus to offset tuition costs. The school's net price of $7,669 reflects this unique model, making it more affordable than many public options. With only a 21.13% acceptance rate, the program maintains selectivity while offering strong value. The 61.30% graduation rate shows strong student success despite the work requirements.

How do graduation rates vary among Missouri's cheapest biology programs?

Graduation rates span from 22.10% at Lincoln University to 68.40% at Truman State University among affordable options. Truman State combines strong outcomes with a $12,030 net cost, while Missouri Southern State University achieves a 38.30% graduation rate with 99.48% acceptance. Schools with higher selectivity generally show better completion rates, though Missouri Western State University breaks this pattern with solid outcomes despite open admission policies.

Is debt load manageable for biology students at these schools?

Student debt varies from $15,426 at Missouri Southern State University to $27,625 at Harris-Stowe State University among programs with available data. Truman State University graduates carry $20,305 in debt but earn $27,126, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. Missouri Western State University shows the strongest earning potential at $37,568 with $24,935 in debt. Most programs keep debt below $25,000, supporting manageable repayment for biology careers.

Does earnings potential justify the cost differences between programs?

Earnings range from $25,194 to $37,568 among programs with salary data, creating significant income variation for similar costs. Missouri Western State University offers the highest earning potential at $37,568 with a net cost of $12,638. University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn $36,745 for a slightly higher net cost of $12,837. Central Methodist University shows the lowest earnings at $25,194 despite a competitive net cost of $14,774.

Where do biology graduates find employment in Missouri's job market?

Missouri's healthcare sector provides substantial opportunities through employers like BJC HealthCare, while agricultural companies like Monsanto offer research positions for biology graduates. The state's defense contractors and pharmaceutical companies also recruit biology majors for technical roles. Healthcare support positions, laboratory work, and pharmaceutical sales represent common entry-level paths. Missouri's central location supports both regional healthcare networks and agricultural research facilities throughout the Midwest.

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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.