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Cheapest Biotechnology Colleges

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

CUNY City College delivers the nation's most affordable biotechnology education at just $3,486 net cost, while graduates from Utah Valley University earn $41,193 annually. This price gap of nearly $5,000 separates the cheapest option from Fayetteville State University's $7,360 program cost. The biotech sector across these regions benefits from proximity to major pharmaceutical corridors, with the Northeast hosting companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, while California's biotech center in San Diego creates pipeline opportunities for graduates. Puerto Rico dominates the middle price range through Inter American University's multiple campuses, offering programs between $7,382 and $8,964. Public universities generally provide the lowest costs, though California State Northridge breaks this pattern at $7,599 with strong industry connections. Graduation rates vary significantly from York College's 30.3% to City College's 54.7%, suggesting that affordability doesn't guarantee completion success across these 20 programs.
50
Programs
$3,486 – $14,738
Net Price Range
$35,546
Avg. Program Earnings
49.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Biotechnology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
5 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
6 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
7 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
8 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
9 $8,036 $5,580 35.4% 33.3%
10 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
11 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
12 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
13 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
14 $8,932 $5,580 39.4% 47.0%
15 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
16 $9,034 $5,580 42.7% 40.1%
17 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
18 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
19 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
20 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
21 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
22 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
23 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
24 $11,154 $2,563 52.1%
25 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
26 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
27 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
28 $12,637 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
29 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
30 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
31 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
32 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
33 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
34 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
35 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
36 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
37 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
38 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
39 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
40 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
41 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
42 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
43 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
44 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
45 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
46 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
47 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
48 $14,623 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
49 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
50 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY City College the cheapest biotechnology option?

CUNY City College offers biotechnology education for just $3,486 net cost with an in-state tuition of $7,340. The school maintains a 54.7% graduation rate and accepts 66.6% of applicants. New York's public university system heavily subsidizes costs through state funding and need-based aid programs.

How do Puerto Rico biotechnology programs compare on cost?

Inter American University operates seven campuses offering biotechnology programs between $7,382 and $8,964 net cost. These private institutions charge consistent tuition around $5,580 across locations. Acceptance rates range from 33.3% at Arecibo to 67.8% at Barranquitas, with graduation rates typically between 30% and 43%.

Where do biotechnology graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

Utah Valley University graduates earn $41,193 annually, more than double the $19,227 starting salary at Inter American University Arecibo. California State Northridge graduates earn $37,424 with manageable debt of $20,618. These western programs connect to major biotech markets in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

Does lower cost mean lower graduation rates in biotechnology?

Not necessarily, though patterns emerge across price ranges. CUNY City College at $3,486 maintains a solid 54.7% graduation rate, while York College at $4,734 shows just 30.3%. California State Northridge combines moderate costs of $7,599 with strong 56.2% completion rates and high earnings potential.

What acceptance rates should students expect at affordable programs?

Most affordable biotechnology programs accept 45% to 90% of applicants, making admission accessible. Utah Valley University and California State Northridge both exceed 90% acceptance rates. Inter American University campuses vary widely, from 33.3% at Arecibo to 67.8% at Barranquitas, reflecting different selectivity levels within the same system.

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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.