Skip to main content

Cheapest Biology Colleges in New Jersey

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

New Jersey City University delivers the state's most affordable biology program at just $11,732 net cost, though its 38.70% graduation rate trails significantly behind the state average. This stark contrast highlights the complex relationship between affordability and outcomes in Garden State biology education. The $13,500 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs on this list reflects New Jersey's split between accessible public institutions and private colleges commanding premium prices. Biology graduates here enter a favorable job market anchored by pharmaceutical giants Johnson & Johnson and Merck, plus growing biotech sectors near major research universities. Early-career earnings range from $22,094 to $35,416, with some graduates leveraging proximity to New York City's life sciences industry. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven of the ten cheapest options being state institutions that benefit from in-state tuition rates and TAG grant eligibility.
26
Programs
$11,732 – $41,315
Net Price Range
$28,108
Avg. Program Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,732 $13,971 38.7% 90.1%
2 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
3 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
4 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
5 $15,266 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
6 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
7 $17,764 $15,150 47.7% 91.5%
8 $17,949 $35,942 40.2% 71.9%
9 $18,778 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
10 $18,803 $17,079 66.4% 76.5%
11 $19,037 $37,732 56.6% 96.5%
12 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
13 $19,634 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
14 $20,218 $37,110 55.1% 75.8%
15 $20,360 $15,978 71.9% 70.5%
16 $21,188 $39,450 58.7% 66.4%
17 $22,185 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
18 $23,519 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
19 $24,415 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
20 $25,287 $38,900 63.3% 84.1%
21 $25,458 $18,685 85.2% 64.4%
22 $25,644 $45,360 72.4% 72.7%
23 $28,921 $51,370 71.5% 75.1%
24 $31,650 $44,850 70.3% 90.9%
25 $40,468 $60,952 89.9% 46.2%
26 $41,315 $37,830 49.7% 89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Jersey City University so much cheaper than other biology programs?

NJCU's $11,732 net cost reflects its mission as an accessible public university serving first-generation college students. The school's 90.14% acceptance rate and focus on local enrollment help keep costs low through state funding. However, the trade-off appears in outcomes, with just 38.70% of students graduating within six years. Students considering NJCU should weigh the immediate savings against potential challenges in degree completion.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable New Jersey biology programs?

Graduation rates span from 31.10% at Bloomfield College to 73.10% at New Jersey Institute of Technology, showing dramatic differences in student success. Public universities generally perform better, with NJIT, Stockton University (72.00%), and Ramapo College (71.90%) leading the pack. The correlation between net cost and graduation rates isn't always predictable, as some expensive private schools like Saint Peter's University achieve 63.10% graduation rates. Students should examine these completion numbers carefully when evaluating program value.

Is the earnings gap between biology programs worth considering?

Early-career earnings vary significantly, from $22,094 at Montclair State to $35,416 at Bloomfield College, creating a $13,322 difference in starting salaries. Interestingly, the most affordable schools don't always produce the lowest earnings. Kean University graduates earn $34,562 despite the program's low $12,168 net cost. Geographic factors likely influence these numbers, as proximity to pharmaceutical companies and NYC biotech firms affects salary potential for Garden State biology graduates.

Does attending a private versus public school affect biology career outcomes in New Jersey?

Private schools on this list charge significantly more, with Saint Peter's University at $41,054 sticker price compared to public options under $20,000. However, private school graduates don't consistently out-earn their public school peers. Georgian Court University graduates earn $32,925, while Kean University (public) graduates make $34,562. Student debt levels also vary widely, from $16,500 at NJCU to $25,000 at several private institutions. The choice often depends more on individual fit than sector type.

Where do New Jersey biology graduates typically find employment after graduation?

New Jersey's pharmaceutical corridor hosts major employers like Johnson & Johnson and Merck, creating strong demand for biology graduates in drug development and research roles. The state's proximity to New York City opens additional opportunities in biotech startups and medical research institutions. Many graduates also find positions in the state's growing environmental science sector, given New Jersey's dense population and environmental challenges. Clinical research organizations and contract laboratories throughout the region actively recruit biology graduates for entry-level positions.

More Biology, General Rankings

Best Value Biology, General in New Jersey Biology, General Under $20,000 in New Jersey

Related

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in New Jersey Best Biology, General in New Jersey

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