2026 Best Value General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1781 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Idaho this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $11,211 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $11,211 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
A rank of #2 makes Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo one of the best values in the United States. Based in Fajardo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo General Biology students take on a median of $9,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $23,132 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Fajardo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German earned it the #3 place in the United States. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German is a private not-for-profit school based in San German, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $25,416 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico San German report
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,619 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $28,619 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez landed the #5 spot. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Elizabeth City State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Elizabeth City, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, compared with $10,536 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,992 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,026 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Elizabeth City State University profile
Bellevue University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Students borrow a median of $28,031 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $28,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,054. Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies General Biology students take on a median of $26,688 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,694 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #10 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke alumni report median earnings of $43,407 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
University Of Puerto Rico Humacao landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Humacao, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Humacao is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,324. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. University Of Puerto Rico Humacao alumni report median earnings of $29,521 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puerto Rico Humacao has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Humacao
Bemidji State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Graduates carry a median of $25,494 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,494 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bemidji State University
Delta State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,605. Typical General Biology student debt is $22,601. 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. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Delta State University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon is a private not-for-profit school based in Bayamon, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Bayamon
Western Carolina University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,037 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Ponce, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $5,333 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,394. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Ponce report
West Texas A And M University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University placed #19 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public school based in Goodwell, OK. Students from in state pay about $8,092 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,675 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,290 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,933 ten years after entry. Set against $25,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Oklahoma Panhandle State University profile
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Arecibo, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,550. The median General Biology program debt is $18,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,908 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo profile
Winona State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical General Biology student debt is $22,665. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,665 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Winona State University report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median General Biology program debt is $22,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. The median General Biology program debt is $22,396. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,396 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Excelsior College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Excelsior College
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
South Dakota State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Middle Georgia State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Macon, GA, Middle Georgia State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,038, while out-of-state students pay about $16,390. Students borrow a median of $29,220 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,863 ten years after entry. Set against $29,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Georgia State University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Middle Georgia State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,650. The median General Biology program debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,908. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #31 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. Set against $24,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Northern Illinois University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $23,630 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,630 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,023 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Set against $23,023 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #34 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of North Georgia placed #35 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. University Of North Georgia General Biology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Graduates carry a median of $8,632 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Set against $8,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Youngstown State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Youngstown State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College placed #40 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public school based in Tifton, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, while out-of-state students pay about $10,588. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,500. Median earnings reach $34,996 ten years out. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Truman State University General Biology students take on a median of $20,305 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $20,305 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Truman State University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Minnesota Morris ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Morris, MN, University Of Minnesota Morris is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, compared with $16,710 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Morris General Biology students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,919. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Morris
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,585 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Graduates carry a median of $22,010 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Rust College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Holly Springs, MS, Rust College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,265. The median General Biology program debt is $25,500. Rust College alumni report median earnings of $32,275 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rust College
Northeastern University Global Network landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,688 in tuition and fees. Northeastern University Global Network General Biology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeastern University Global Network profile
San Jose State University placed #48 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about San Jose State University
Miami Dade College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Miami Dade College General Biology students take on a median of $13,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,654 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. More on Miami Dade College
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median General Biology program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Alcorn State University came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Based in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,785 in tuition and fees. Alcorn State University General Biology students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,421. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. Alcorn State University admits about 45% of applicants. See the full Alcorn State University profile
Related General Biology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value General Biology Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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