Skip to main content

Cheapest Biology Colleges in Texas

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

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers the most affordable biology program in the state with just $1,113 in net costs annually, while private institutions like Jarvis Christian University charge nearly ten times more at $10,409. This dramatic cost variation among Texas biology programs creates opportunities for students targeting different career paths within the state's massive healthcare sector. The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates earn $41,565 annually, the highest among affordable options, reflecting strong job prospects in West Texas medical facilities. Texas hosts the world's largest medical complex in Houston's Texas Medical Center, where biology graduates find positions across research institutions, hospitals, and biotechnology companies. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with acceptance rates ranging from Texas A&M International's competitive 47.88% to UT El Paso's nearly universal 99.92% admission rate. Students benefit from state funding programs including the Texas Tomorrow Fund, making already low in-state tuition even more accessible for biology majors entering a field where Texas employs over 2.2 million healthcare workers.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $20,841
Net Price Range
$28,600
Avg. Program Earnings
44.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
3 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
4 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
5 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
6 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
7 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
8 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
9 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
10 $10,409 $11,720 15.1%
11 $10,650 $10,008 10.7%
12 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
13 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
14 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
15 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
16 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
17 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
18 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
19 $11,882 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
20 $12,637 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
21 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
22 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
23 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
24 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
25 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
26 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
27 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
28 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
29 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
30 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
31 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
32 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
33 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
34 $17,435 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
35 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
36 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
37 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
38 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
39 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
40 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
41 $19,847 $14,703 36.1% 51.9%
42 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
43 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
44 $20,244 $13,498 38.1% 57.3%
45 $20,261 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
46 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
47 $20,498 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
48 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
49 $20,581 $24,588 41.1% 53.6%
50 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $9,296 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive affordable biology programs?

Public universities receive state funding that significantly reduces costs, with Texas A&M-Central Texas charging just $1,113 compared to private nonprofit Jarvis Christian University at $10,409. State schools also benefit from legislative appropriations and the Texas Tomorrow Fund. Private institutions rely heavily on tuition revenue, resulting in higher net costs even after financial aid.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs among affordable Texas biology programs?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better graduation rates, as evidenced by Texas College's 10.70% rate despite $10,650 net costs. University of Houston-Clear Lake achieves the highest graduation rate at 50.90% with moderate costs of $11,056. Many affordable public options like UT Rio Grande Valley maintain respectable 49.30% graduation rates at just $6,500 net cost.

Where do biology graduates from these affordable programs typically find employment in Texas?

Houston's Texas Medical Center employs thousands of biology graduates across research and clinical roles, while major health systems like Baylor Scott & White and HCA Healthcare hire throughout the state. UT Permian Basin graduates earning $41,565 often work in West Texas oil field health services and regional medical centers. Many graduates also pursue positions with pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms concentrated in major metropolitan areas.

Does geographic location within Texas affect biology program costs and outcomes?

Border region schools like Texas A&M International in Laredo and UT Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg offer particularly low costs at $3,061 and $6,500 respectively. These programs serve large Hispanic student populations with strong pre-health track records. Urban locations like Dallas and Houston typically have higher living costs but better internship opportunities, while rural programs in Alpine and Marshall offer the lowest overall expenses.

Is debt load manageable for graduates from affordable Texas biology programs?

Most affordable programs generate reasonable debt levels, with UT Rio Grande Valley graduates carrying just $12,051 in average debt while earning $27,346 annually. However, some schools like Texas College saddle students with $27,000 in debt despite low post-graduation earnings of $22,999. Students should prioritize programs with strong graduation rates and employment outcomes rather than simply the lowest sticker price.

More Biology, General Rankings

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

Related

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

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