2026 Best Value Genetics Schools
Looking for the best-value Genetics programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 104 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Genetics Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value Genetics school in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
A rank of #2 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Grand Valley State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Genetics ranking in the United States. Located in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Grand Valley State University Genetics students take on a median of $26,378 in debt. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Grand Valley State University
You'll get strong value at Indiana State University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,582 in student loans. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Indiana State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny At Fredonia earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Fredonia, NY, Suny At Fredonia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,831, with out-of-state students paying around $19,771. Graduates carry a median of $25,806 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,247 ten years out. Set against $25,806 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny At Fredonia report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned it the #5 place in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical Genetics student debt is $24,977. Median earnings reach $48,160 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Genetics program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Iowa State University placed #8 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Genetics student debt is $21,631. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $21,631 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Iowa State University report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Genetics students take on a median of $22,968 in debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,968 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #11 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Genetics students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $26,259 to complete their Genetics program here. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
Kansas State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Kansas State University
Michigan Technological University placed #14 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. Students from in state pay about $20,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Typical Genetics student debt is $25,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,198. That is a strong return on a $25,800 median debt. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Michigan Technological University profile
University Of Iowa came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Genetics students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Iowa
Washington State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Genetics program debt is $21,903. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
Regis University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Regis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $28,140. The median Genetics program debt is $31,773. Median earnings reach $72,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,773 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Regis University
University Of Utah ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete their Genetics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Utah profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete their Genetics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles Genetics students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Harvard University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. University Of California Davis Genetics students take on a median of $14,293 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Davis
Oregon Health And Science University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Oregon Health And Science University is a public school based in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $24,306 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,338 for out-of-state students. Oregon Health And Science University Genetics students take on a median of $32,059 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,028. That is a strong return on a $32,059 median debt. See the full Oregon Health And Science University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Georgia placed #24 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Genetics Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $15,748 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,132. Typical Genetics student debt is $21,988. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,757. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. See the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston profile
Vanderbilt University placed #27 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Typical Genetics student debt is $13,975. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Vanderbilt University
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Genetics program here. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. Read the full report on George Washington University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $26,217 to complete their Genetics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $26,217 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University Genetics students take on a median of $25,125 in debt. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Durham, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $19,202, compared with $39,852 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $26,994. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Genetics students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Dartmouth College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,989 to complete their Genetics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,434. Set against $16,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. More on Dartmouth College
Wake Forest University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,642. Wake Forest University Genetics students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,158. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 22%. More on Wake Forest University
Clemson University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $22,225 to complete their Genetics program here. Clemson University alumni report median earnings of $71,513 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,225 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Stanford University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Typical Genetics student debt is $10,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Stanford University profile
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Genetics student debt is $17,669. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Northwestern College Iowa ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Genetics student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $49,802 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northwestern College Iowa report
Virginia Commonwealth University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Typical Genetics student debt is $23,813. Virginia Commonwealth University alumni report median earnings of $58,128 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
West Virginia University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. West Virginia University is a public school based in Morgantown, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Graduates carry a median of $23,772 in student loans. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about West Virginia University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Genetics student debt is $16,481. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. University Of South Carolina Columbia Genetics students take on a median of $24,472 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Carolina Columbia has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Yale University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Yale University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Genetics student debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Yale University
New Mexico State University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. The median Genetics program debt is $19,026. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Stony Brook University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. Get the full Stony Brook University report
University Of Rochester offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,517 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,042 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. University Of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants. More on University Of Rochester
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Western Kentucky University placed #49 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
Long Island University C W Post Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,432. Long Island University C W Post Campus Genetics students take on a median of $25,211 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Long Island University C W Post Campus admits about 86% of applicants. More on Long Island University C W Post Campus
Best Value Genetics Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Genetics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Genetics 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 104 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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