2026 Best Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1781 colleges 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Fitchburg State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General Biology master's degree schools in the United States. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Fitchburg State University General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Hood College landed the #2 spot. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Hood College profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #4 makes Charleston Southern University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,520 in tuition and fees. Charleston Southern University General Biology students take on a median of $28,979 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,898 ten years after entry. Set against $28,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Charleston Southern University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned it the #5 place in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Northwest Missouri State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
West Texas A And M University landed the #7 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 average $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on West Texas A And M University
Youngstown State University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $19,000. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Northern Illinois University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median General Biology program debt is $23,630. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $23,630 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Bemidji State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Bemidji State University General Biology students take on a median of $25,494 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,494 median debt. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median General Biology program debt is $22,396. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $22,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Illinois State University placed #12 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $24,672 to complete their General Biology program here. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $24,889. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,348. Set against $24,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center report
Fort Hays State University placed #14 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Fort Hays State University General Biology students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Midwestern State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located 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, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $8,632 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Point Loma Nazarene University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $46,250 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,096. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $25,096 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Saint Cloud State University General Biology students take on a median of $24,450 in debt. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,450 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. More on Saint Cloud State University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Purdue University Northwest profile
San Jose State University placed #21 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Dominican University Of California placed #22 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,161. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,713 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University Of California admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Dominican University Of California report
Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Salisbury University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Western Illinois University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University General Biology students take on a median of $27,585 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. The median General Biology program debt is $24,034. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Montclair State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. 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 has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of South Dakota
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $24,314 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $24,314 median debt. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $25,552 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,552 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Delaware State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Delaware State University is a public school based in Dover, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. Delaware State University General Biology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,307. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. Get the full Delaware State University report
John Carroll University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in University Heights, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $50,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $62,860 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on John Carroll University
San Francisco State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical General Biology student debt is $15,000. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full San Francisco State University report
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University
Southeast Missouri State University placed #37 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Southeast Missouri State University General Biology students take on a median of $21,519 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Set against $21,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Texas Womans University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical General Biology student debt is $22,274. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,274 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Texas Womans University
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,500. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Murray State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $24,475 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Murray State University
Sam Houston State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Sam Houston State University General Biology students take on a median of $23,853 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,853 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Sam Houston State University
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. The median General Biology program debt is $21,500. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University East Bay report
University Of Central Arkansas placed #44 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,770 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. Set against $19,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh General Biology students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
Georgian Court University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lakewood, NJ, Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,110. Georgian Court University General Biology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,096. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Georgian Court University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Georgian Court University report
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,696. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,872. Set against $24,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report
San Diego State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,998. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $17,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #50 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,342 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,342 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Related General Biology Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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