2026 Best Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,889. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center profile

#2

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Biology ranking in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $23,630 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $23,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#3

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Illinois State University General Biology students take on a median of $24,672 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University

#4

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of South Dakota landed the #4 spot. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota General Biology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full University Of South Dakota report

#5

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Biology students take on a median of $25,342 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $25,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#6

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report

#7

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $17,998 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $17,998 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University

#8

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report

#9

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley General Biology students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#10

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #10 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin General Biology students take on a median of $21,893 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,893 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#11

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,261 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,261 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware

#12

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,000. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus

#13

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota General Biology students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota

#14

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full University Of Dayton profile

#15

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

Worcester Polytechnic Institute came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,765. The median General Biology program debt is $26,999. Median earnings reach $103,470 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,999 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on Worcester Polytechnic Institute

#16

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northeastern University profile

#17

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis placed #17 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median General Biology program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#18

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #18 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi General Biology students take on a median of $23,213 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Set against $23,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile

#19

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Students borrow a median of $25,296 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Marquette University

#20

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,875. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#21

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Cleveland State University is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,144 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. That is a strong return on a $26,144 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cleveland State University

#22

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Students borrow a median of $16,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full Cornell University report

#23

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station General Biology students take on a median of $17,943 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station

#24

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Boston College General Biology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on Boston College

#24

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

#26

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median General Biology program debt is $17,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Houston report

#27

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #27 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Temple University

#28

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical General Biology student debt is $22,000. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

#29

Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN

Tennessee State University placed #29 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Students borrow a median of $29,375 to complete their General Biology program here. Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $42,730 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Tennessee State University

#30

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania General Biology students take on a median of $14,047 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $14,047 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#31

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#32

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI

Michigan Technological University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $21,199 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $21,199 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan Technological University report

#32

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Clemson University

#34

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University General Biology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Kansas State University

#35

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University placed #35 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Arizona University profile

#36

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,218 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#37

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile

#38

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #38 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#38

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #38 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University

#40

The University Of Texas At El Paso

El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #40 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $18,479 in student loans. The University Of Texas At El Paso alumni report median earnings of $50,923 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,479 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report

#41

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill General Biology students take on a median of $15,100 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,100 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#42

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Duquesne University General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Duquesne University report

#43

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,396 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $13,516. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report

#44

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $17,537 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida Atlantic University

#44

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. The median General Biology program debt is $22,125. Median earnings reach $78,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. More on Southern Methodist University

#46

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,028 to complete their General Biology program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

#46

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,614 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University

#46

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah General Biology students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah

#49

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis General Biology students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile

#49

Saint Louis University Main Campus

Saint Louis, MO

Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,760. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,783 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus