2026 Best General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Biology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1781 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Leading the list is Bowdoin College, our #1 General Biology school in the United States. Located in Brunswick, ME, Bowdoin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,832. Students borrow a median of $20,658 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full Bowdoin College report
Williams College came in at #2 on this year's General Biology ranking in the United States. Set in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,560. The median General Biology program debt is $13,454. More on Williams College
You'll be in good company at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology General Biology students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Virginia Military Institute landed the #4 spot. Based in Lexington, VA, Virginia Military Institute is a public institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,046 in tuition and fees, compared with $52,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their General Biology program here. See the full Virginia Military Institute profile
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Stanford University landed the #5 spot. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Read the full report on Stanford University
Haverford College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Haverford, PA. Haverford College posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,398. Get the full Haverford College report
Dartmouth College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,030. See the full Dartmouth College profile
Bucknell University landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lewisburg, PA. Bucknell University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,812. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,672. See the full Bucknell University profile
University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among General Biology schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,047 in student loans. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Lehigh University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Lehigh University General Biology students take on a median of $23,128 in debt. Get the full Lehigh University report
Lafayette College did well this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Easton, PA, Lafayette College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,648. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,000. See the full Lafayette College profile
Brown University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. About 96% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Brown University
Bates College came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Lewiston, ME, Bates College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,590. Bates College General Biology students take on a median of $12,850 in debt. More on Bates College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. The median General Biology program debt is $26,717. Read the full report on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Boston College placed #15 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full Boston College profile
College Of The Holy Cross did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. College Of The Holy Cross posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,500. College Of The Holy Cross General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on College Of The Holy Cross
Swarthmore College placed #17 among General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Swarthmore, PA, Swarthmore College is a private not-for-profit institution. Swarthmore College graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,494. Swarthmore College General Biology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. See the full Swarthmore College profile
Santa Clara University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. The median General Biology program debt is $19,941. More on Santa Clara University
Colgate University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Colgate University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamilton, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Students from in state pay about $70,306 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $14,730. Get the full Colgate University report
Randolph Macon College landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, VA. Randolph Macon College posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,466. The median General Biology program debt is $26,067. Read more about Randolph Macon College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $60,765 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,999 to complete their General Biology program here. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of California Berkeley placed #22 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,034 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Macalester College placed #24 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Macalester College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Macalester College
Desales University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,800. Desales University General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Desales University
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Vassar College came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, Vassar College is a private not-for-profit institution. Vassar College graduates 91% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,030. Vassar College General Biology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Get the full Vassar College report
Cornell University placed #27 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. More on Cornell University
Winona State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Winona State University graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $22,665. See the full Winona State University profile
Saint Johns University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Collegeville, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $55,816 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Saint Johns University
San Jose State University came in at #30 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
Barnard College placed #31 among General Biology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,888. The median General Biology program debt is $16,635. See the full Barnard College profile
Union College New York came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Schenectady, NY, Union College New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,039. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. More on Union College New York
Hamilton College placed #33 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Clinton, NY, Hamilton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamilton College posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,960. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,000. Get the full Hamilton College report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Lycoming College came in at #35 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamsport, PA. Lycoming College graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,804. Students borrow a median of $26,837 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full Lycoming College report
Hampden Sydney College came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hampden-Sydney, VA. Hampden Sydney College posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $54,550. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Hampden Sydney College
Carleton College came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Located in Northfield, MN, Carleton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Carleton College graduates 90% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,892. The median General Biology program debt is $17,929. More on Carleton College
Tufts University placed #38 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. The median General Biology program debt is $16,250. See the full Tufts University profile
Southern Methodist University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Southern Methodist University General Biology students take on a median of $22,125 in debt. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #40 among General Biology schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. About 89% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,893. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
St Olaf College did well this year, earning the #41 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, MN. St Olaf College posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,760. St Olaf College General Biology students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. See the full St Olaf College profile
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,380 to complete their General Biology program here. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Northern Iowa placed #43 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. University Of Northern Iowa posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Denison University placed #44 among General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Granville, OH, Denison University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,000. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full Denison University report
Ursinus College landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Ursinus College is a private not-for-profit school based in Collegeville, PA. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,061. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about Ursinus College
Northeastern University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median General Biology program debt is $25,000. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #47 among General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls General Biology students take on a median of $22,937 in debt. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $14,223 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report
Saint Anselm College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Saint Anselm College is a private not-for-profit school based in Manchester, NH. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,920. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Saint Anselm College
Trinity College placed #50 among General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,190 in student loans. See the full Trinity College profile
Related General Biology Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best General Biology Schools (All Levels)
- Best General Biology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1781 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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