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Community colleges dominate the most affordable biology technician programs, with Solano Community College offering net costs as low as $3,869 compared to private institutions reaching $37,899. This $34,000 cost gap reflects the practical nature of biotechnology training, where laboratory skills matter more than institutional prestige. California's biotech corridor employs thousands of technicians in pharmaceutical companies and research facilities, making programs like MiraCosta College's $7,178 option particularly valuable. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from Solano's 33.80% to Merrimack College's 72.10%, suggesting that higher costs sometimes correlate with better completion support.
11
Programs
$3,869 – $37,899
Net Price Range
$41,193
Avg. Program Earnings
50.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,869 $1,172 33.8%
2 $7,178 $1,152 41.1%
3 $13,884 $6,438 54.4% 34.2%
4 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
5 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
6 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
7 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
8 $19,988 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
9 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
10 $34,089 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
11 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public community colleges like Solano ($3,869) and MiraCosta ($7,178) focus on essential laboratory training with minimal overhead costs. Private institutions such as Merrimack College ($37,899) include extensive campus amenities and smaller class sizes that drive up expenses.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in biotechnology training?

The most affordable programs show lower completion rates, with Solano at 33.80% and MiraCosta at 41.10%. Mid-range private colleges like College of Saint Mary achieve 59.40% graduation rates at $14,986, while Merrimack's $37,899 program reaches 72.10%.

Does geographic location affect the value of these biotechnology programs?

California schools offer proximity to major biotech employers despite varied costs, from Solano's $3,869 to premium options. Ohio provides middle-ground alternatives with Cleveland State at $16,065, while specialized markets like Hawaii's BYU campus cost $13,884.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and graduation success?

BYU-Hawaii delivers strong value at $13,884 with a 54.40% graduation rate and selective 34.21% acceptance. College of Saint Mary offers similar graduation rates (59.40%) at $14,986, providing quality training without premium pricing.

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