2026 Best Value General Biology Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1781 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Biology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho General Biology students take on a median of $11,211 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Set against $11,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Fajardo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $23,132 ten years out. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo has an acceptance rate of 26%. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo
You'll get strong value at Gloucester County College, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,160, with out-of-state students paying around $6,000. The median General Biology program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gloucester County College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Copiah Lincoln Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a public school based in Wesson, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,200, compared with $5,200 for out-of-state students. Copiah Lincoln Community College alumni report median earnings of $31,241 a decade after entry. See the full Copiah Lincoln Community College profile
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mott Community College landed the #5 spot. Located in Flint, MI, Mott Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,460. The median General Biology program debt is $13,250. Median earnings reach $32,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,250 median debt. More on Mott Community College
San Diego Mesa College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $7,611. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,120. That is a strong return on a $7,611 median debt. Get the full San Diego Mesa College report
San Diego City College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,503 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Diego City College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San German, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $25,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German report
El Paso Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. El Paso Community College is a public school based in El Paso, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. The median General Biology program debt is $9,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,212. Set against $9,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on El Paso Community College
Metropolitan State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. The median General Biology program debt is $28,619. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Set against $28,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. The median General Biology program debt is $8,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Reedley College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Reedley College is a public school based in Reedley, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,378, while out-of-state students pay about $8,638. Typical General Biology student debt is $6,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,493 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,500 median debt. Read more about Reedley College
College Of Western Idaho placed #14 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,446 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,454 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,993 in student loans. Read more about College Of Western Idaho
Bellevue University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Bellevue University General Biology students take on a median of $28,031 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $28,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bellevue University
Elizabeth City State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, while out-of-state students pay about $10,536. Graduates carry a median of $26,992 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,026. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Elizabeth City State University
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,054. The median General Biology program debt is $26,688. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,694. That is a strong return on a $26,688 median debt. See the full Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hood College
University Of Puerto Rico Humacao placed #20 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Humacao is a public school based in Humacao, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,324. University Of Puerto Rico Humacao General Biology students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $29,521 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Humacao report
Bemidji State University placed #21 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Students borrow a median of $25,494 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,494 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
San Diego Miramar College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego Miramar College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, compared with $10,002 for out-of-state students. San Diego Miramar College General Biology students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,224 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full San Diego Miramar College report
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,889. Median earnings reach $92,348 ten years out. Set against $24,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Delta State University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,605 in tuition and fees. Delta State University General Biology students take on a median of $22,601 in debt. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,601 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read the full report on Delta State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median General Biology program debt is $21,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Bayamon, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon alumni report median earnings of $29,936 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Ivy Tech Community College placed #27 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt. Get the full Ivy Tech Community College report
West Texas A And M University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ponce, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,324. The median General Biology program debt is $5,333. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,394. Set against $5,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Western Carolina University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Western Carolina University General Biology students take on a median of $26,037 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Oklahoma Panhandle State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Goodwell, OK, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,092 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $25,290. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,933. Set against $25,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Arecibo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,550. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $24,908 ten years out. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #33 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $22,396 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $22,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Winona State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $22,665 to complete their General Biology program here. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Set against $22,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Winona State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #34 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $22,937 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Excelsior College placed #36 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $78,493 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Read the full report on Excelsior College
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Middle Georgia State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,038 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Typical General Biology student debt is $29,220. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,863. That is a strong return on a $29,220 median debt. Middle Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Middle Georgia State University
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce placed #40 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,650. The median General Biology program debt is $18,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,908. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
Northern Illinois University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $23,630 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,212 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,812. Texas State Technical College General Biology students take on a median of $10,913 in debt. Texas State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,913 median debt. Read more about Texas State Technical College
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse General Biology students take on a median of $24,034 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,034 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
South Dakota State University placed #44 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about South Dakota State University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay General Biology students take on a median of $23,023 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Youngstown State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median General Biology program debt is $8,632. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
University Of North Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Best Value General Biology Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Biology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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