2026 Best Value Genetics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Genetics doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 104 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 evaluated 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 Genetics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of Wisconsin Madison tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Genetics doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Genetics students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Cornell University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Genetics ranking in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Genetics students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
A rank of #4 makes Clemson University one of the best values in the United States. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,225 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,225 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
Out of the 104 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Iowa State University landed the #5 spot. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Genetics program debt is $21,631. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $21,631 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
Kansas State University placed #6 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. The median Genetics program debt is $23,546. 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. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Iowa ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Genetics program debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, 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 the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of California Davis landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $14,293 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of California Davis
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Genetics program debt is $22,968. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Set against $22,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Genetics program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Typical Genetics student debt is $23,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Utah profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Genetics student debt is $18,500. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #14 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Genetics students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,162 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Harvard University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Genetics program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Georgia came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $20,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
Oregon Health And Science University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $24,306 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,338. Typical Genetics student debt is $32,059. Median earnings reach $101,028 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Oregon Health And Science University
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Genetics students take on a median of $21,818 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. Set against $21,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,748, while out-of-state students pay about $43,132. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston Genetics students take on a median of $21,988 in debt. Median earnings reach $88,757 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Typical Genetics student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Vanderbilt University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Typical Genetics student debt is $13,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Vanderbilt University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,137 to complete their Genetics program here. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,137 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Stanford University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Median earnings reach $124,080 ten years out. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Stanford University report
Dartmouth College placed #24 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Located 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,989 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full Dartmouth College report
Wake Forest University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Typical Genetics student debt is $21,577. Median earnings reach $78,158 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. About 22% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wake Forest University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Genetics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Florida ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Genetics program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #27 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Richmond, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. Virginia Commonwealth University Genetics students take on a median of $23,813 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,128. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $26,217 in student loans. Rutgers University New Brunswick alumni report median earnings of $74,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,217 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Typical Genetics student debt is $23,772. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full West Virginia University profile
Michigan State University placed #30 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
Stony Brook University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Typical Genetics student debt is $20,537. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stony Brook University profile
Yale University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Typical Genetics student debt is $14,357. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Yale University report
University At Buffalo landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,232 median debt. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University At Buffalo profile
University Of Rochester ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,080. The median Genetics program debt is $21,517. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,042. That is a strong return on a $21,517 median debt. University Of Rochester admits about 40% of applicants. Get the full University Of Rochester report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #35 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Genetics students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #36 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. The median Genetics program debt is $23,258. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Genetics program here. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Duke University report
Howard University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Genetics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,810. Typical Genetics student debt is $25,498. Median earnings reach $63,066 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Howard University has an acceptance rate of 41%. See the full Howard University profile
University Of Chicago came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Typical Genetics student debt is $15,854. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $15,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Tufts University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Students borrow a median of $17,074 to complete their Genetics program here. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Tufts University
Washington University In St Louis landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,182 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
University Of Arizona placed #43 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Genetics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Boston University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical Genetics student debt is $25,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on Boston University
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $21,216 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Set against $21,216 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Johns Hopkins University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. The median Genetics program debt is $13,426. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johns Hopkins University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
University Of Miami placed #47 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Graduates carry a median of $17,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,328. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 19%. More on University Of Miami
Case Western Reserve University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, OH, Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete their Genetics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,989 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about Case Western Reserve University
Hofstra University placed #49 among the best-value Genetics schools in the United States. More on Hofstra University
Manchester College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Manchester College profile
Related Genetics Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Genetics Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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