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Cheapest Biology Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia Military Institute graduates earn $41,007 annually after their biology degrees, nearly double the $20,140 that Virginia Wesleyan University graduates make in the same field. This earnings gap highlights how institutional focus shapes career outcomes even within identical majors. Net costs across Virginia's biology programs span from $11,180 at UVA's College at Wise to $20,591 at Emory & Henry University, creating substantial savings opportunities for budget-conscious students. The state's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates unique pathways for biology graduates interested in environmental consulting, research positions, or government laboratory work. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with five of the top six cheapest programs housed at state institutions that benefit from Virginia's in-state tuition policies.
38
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$28,167
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
3 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
4 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
5 $16,640 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
6 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
7 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
8 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
9 $18,849 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
10 $19,452 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
11 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
12 $20,173 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
13 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
14 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
15 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
16 $20,814 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
17 $21,108 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
18 $21,816 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
19 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
20 $22,197 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
21 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
22 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
23 $22,529 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
24 $22,881 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
25 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
26 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
27 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
28 $23,790 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
29 $23,911 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
30 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
31 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
32 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
33 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
34 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
35 $29,552 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
36 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
37 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
38 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $30,867 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paid biology graduates?

Virginia Military Institute's structured career services and alumni network help biology graduates secure higher-paying positions at $41,007 annually. The military academy's rigorous training appeals to government contractors and research facilities. Virginia Wesleyan graduates average $20,140, reflecting the broader job market for general biology degrees without specialized career channeling. Institutional connections matter significantly in determining post-graduation earning potential.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Virginia biology programs?

Virginia Military Institute achieves an 81.8% graduation rate despite costing $18,849 net, proving that structured environments can improve completion rates. UVA's College at Wise costs just $11,180 but graduates 49.8% of students within six years. Norfolk State University's $12,973 cost produces a 32.7% graduation rate, the lowest among affordable options. Higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates, but institutional support systems clearly influence student success.

Is the VTAG grant worth considering for private college biology programs?

Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant can reduce costs at private institutions, making schools like Mary Baldwin University more competitive at $17,833 net cost. The grant helps narrow the gap between public and private options for qualified students. Randolph College costs $18,436 after aid, putting it within reach of students who value smaller class sizes. Private colleges often provide more personalized attention for biology research opportunities and graduate school preparation.

Does location within Virginia affect biology career prospects after graduation?

Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and Booz Allen Hamilton creates research and consulting opportunities for biology graduates. Norfolk's defense contractors value graduates from Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University for environmental and health-related positions. Richmond's healthcare sector through Inova Health provides clinical research pathways for VCU and Virginia Union graduates. Geographic location directly influences internship availability and post-graduation job networks.

Where should students focus if they want the best value for biology education costs?

UVA's College at Wise offers the state's lowest net cost at $11,180 with a respectable 49.8% graduation rate. George Mason University provides strong value at $18,287 with 69.3% graduation rates and $34,942 average earnings. Radford University balances affordability at $16,640 with moderate debt levels of $22,751. Students should weigh graduation rates against total costs when comparing programs, as completion matters more than initial savings.

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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.