2026 Best General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Biology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1781 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology tops our 2026 ranking of the best General Biology master's degree schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology General Biology students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center landed the #2 spot. Set 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. Get the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center report
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #3 on this year's General Biology ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median General Biology program debt is $14,047. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
The strong General Biology programs at Harvard University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Harvard University General Biology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Read more about Harvard University
You'll be in good company at Stanford University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University General Biology students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read the full report on Stanford University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Based in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. Graduates carry a median of $26,717 in student loans. Get the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute report
Johns Hopkins University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
Brown University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. The median General Biology program debt is $13,000. Read the full report on Brown University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute did well this year, earning the #9 position. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. Students borrow a median of $26,999 to complete their General Biology program here. Get the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute report
San Jose State University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. See the full San Jose State University profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #11 among General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,034. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
Boston College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. More on Boston College
University Of California Berkeley did well this year, earning the #13 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based 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. The median General Biology program debt is $14,000. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
Southern Methodist University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $22,125 to complete their General Biology program here. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Cornell University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Hood College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. See the full Hood College profile
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of San Francisco did well this year, earning the #19 position. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $25,375 in debt. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Michigan State University placed #21 among General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,849 in student loans. See the full Michigan State University profile
Dominican University Of California landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Dominican University Of California graduates 78% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $52,161 in tuition and fees. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. Get the full Dominican University Of California report
Washington University In St Louis placed #23 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
Purdue University Main Campus placed #24 among General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. About 83% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,380 in student loans. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #25 position. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York General Biology students take on a median of $19,892 in debt. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Biology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Northwestern University placed #26 among General Biology schools in the United States. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical General Biology student debt is $14,800. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Rochester came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Set in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Rochester posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Rochester
University Of Iowa ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,512. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Missouri University Of Science And Technology did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Rolla, MO, Missouri University Of Science And Technology is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,984, while out-of-state students pay about $33,248. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Read more about Missouri University Of Science And Technology
San Francisco State University placed #30 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical General Biology student debt is $15,000. See the full San Francisco State University profile
Salisbury University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Salisbury University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their General Biology program here. See the full Salisbury University profile
American University came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $19,866 in student loans. Read the full report on American University
Illinois State University landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $24,672 in student loans. See the full Illinois State University profile
Wake Forest University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. Wake Forest University General Biology students take on a median of $22,612 in debt. More on Wake Forest University
Arizona State University came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Northern Illinois University landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Northern Illinois University posts a six-year graduation rate of 49%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University General Biology students take on a median of $23,630 in debt. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Saint Cloud State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Saint Cloud State University graduates 39% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. The median General Biology program debt is $24,450. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
College Of William And Mary landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Located in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. College Of William And Mary General Biology students take on a median of $16,681 in debt. See the full College Of William And Mary profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #40 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,218 to complete their General Biology program here. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo General Biology students take on a median of $22,949 in debt. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median General Biology program debt is $25,342. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
San Diego State University placed #43 among General Biology schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. San Diego State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $17,998 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #44 among General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. About 54% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Clemson University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Clemson University posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. See the full Clemson University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Fort Hays State University landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Fort Hays State University graduates 46% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median General Biology program debt is $22,000. Read more about Fort Hays State University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Typical General Biology student debt is $19,000. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
James Madison University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best General Biology schools. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Read the full report on James Madison University
University Of Missouri St Louis did well this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. About 57% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $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
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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