2026 Best General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Biology doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1781 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Massachusetts Institute Of Technology this year in the United States. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Typical General Biology student debt is $13,516. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
A rank of #2 makes Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,214, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. Graduates carry a median of $24,889 in student loans. Read the full report on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
A rank of #3 makes Stanford University one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University General Biology students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read more about Stanford University
The strong General Biology programs at Harvard University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 98% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Harvard University General Biology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Read more about Harvard University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on this year's General Biology ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Students borrow a median of $14,047 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Dartmouth College did well this year, earning the #6 position. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,019. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,030. See the full Dartmouth College profile
Vanderbilt University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Read more about Vanderbilt University
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,078 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,717 in student loans. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Worcester Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. Worcester Polytechnic Institute General Biology students take on a median of $26,999 in debt. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Boston College did well this year, earning the #11 position. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Typical General Biology student debt is $19,000. Get the full Boston College report
Cornell University did well this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. More on Cornell University
Southern Methodist University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. Graduates carry a median of $22,125 in student loans. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Northeastern University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about Northeastern University
University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester did well this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Worcester, MA. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester report
University Of Southern California landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. University Of Southern California General Biology students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Read more about University Of Southern California
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. The median General Biology program debt is $25,375. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $21,893. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median General Biology program debt is $19,892. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Iowa ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Rochester ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their General Biology program here. More on University Of Rochester
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median General Biology program debt is $15,100. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Illinois State University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University General Biology students take on a median of $24,672 in debt. More on Illinois State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median General Biology program debt is $21,218. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln graduates 67% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $25,342 to complete their General Biology program here. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Wake Forest University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University graduates 89% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. Wake Forest University General Biology students take on a median of $22,612 in debt. Read the full report on Wake Forest University
University Of Chicago came in at #27 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Typical General Biology student debt is $13,500. Read more about University Of Chicago
Northern Illinois University did well this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,630 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Tufts University placed #29 among General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Tufts University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Graduates carry a median of $16,250 in student loans. Get the full Tufts University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #30 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Boston University did well this year, earning the #31 position. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. Get the full Boston University report
Duke University came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Read the full report on Duke University
San Diego State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. San Diego State University graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University General Biology students take on a median of $17,998 in debt. Read more about San Diego State University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station General Biology students take on a median of $17,943 in debt. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #35 among General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Temple University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. More on Temple University
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #37 in this year's ranking. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. Read more about University Of Missouri St Louis
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,028 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Marquette University did well this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,296. Get the full Marquette University report
Northwestern University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $14,800. See the full Northwestern University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $23,362 in debt. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Notre Dame did well this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame General Biology students take on a median of $20,750 in debt. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Washington State University placed #43 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read the full report on Washington State University
George Washington University placed #44 among General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,816. Read more about George Washington University
Iowa State University landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,614 to complete their General Biology program here. See the full Iowa State University profile
University Of North Dakota placed #46 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Oklahoma State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Johns Hopkins University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Johns Hopkins University General Biology students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. More on Johns Hopkins University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of Denver ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. University Of Denver General Biology students take on a median of $20,849 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Denver
Related General Biology Rankings
See rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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