2026 Best Value General Biology Schools

#1

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Fitchburg State University

#2

Hood College

Frederick, MD

A rank of #2 makes Hood College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Hood College

#3

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Biology ranking in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato General Biology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile

#4

Charleston Southern University

Charleston, SC

Charleston Southern University came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Biology ranking in the United States. Located 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Set against $28,979 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University

#5

University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR

You'll get strong value at University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,274. The median General Biology program debt is $8,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report

#6

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University placed #6 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median General Biology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile

#7

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

West Texas A And M University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,125. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Texas A And M University

#8

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University placed #8 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University General Biology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

#9

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,630. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $23,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#10

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN

Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Bemidji State University General Biology students take on a median of $25,494 in debt. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Bemidji State University

#11

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville General Biology students take on a median of $22,396 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $22,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#12

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,214, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. The median General Biology program debt is $24,889. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,348. Set against $24,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center profile

#13

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University General Biology students take on a median of $24,672 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University

#14

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Fort Hays State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Fort Hays State University General Biology students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University

#15

Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX

Midwestern State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Midwestern State University profile

#16

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus

Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Portales, NM. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus

#17

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

#18

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA

Point Loma Nazarene University placed #18 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,250. The median General Biology program debt is $25,096. Point Loma Nazarene University alumni report median earnings of $63,998 a decade after entry. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Point Loma Nazarene University

#18

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University placed #18 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,450 to complete their General Biology program here. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#20

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. The median General Biology program 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. More on Purdue University Northwest

#21

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on San Jose State University

#22

Dominican University Of California

San Rafael, CA

Dominican University Of California landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Rafael, CA, Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,161 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,713. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Dominican University Of California

#23

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Salisbury University General Biology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Salisbury University

#24

University Of Nebraska At Kearney

Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney General Biology students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney

#25

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $27,585 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University

#26

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $24,034. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Set against $24,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

#27

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median General Biology program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University

#28

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of South Dakota

#29

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

#30

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,314. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Set against $24,314 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Wichita State University

#31

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

#32

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median General Biology program debt is $25,552. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield

#33

Delaware State University

Dover, DE

Delaware State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,670, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. The median General Biology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,307 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. See the full Delaware State University profile

#34

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH

John Carroll University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in University Heights, OH, John Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,500 in tuition and fees. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $62,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full John Carroll University profile

#35

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

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. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report

#36

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University placed #36 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University

#37

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report

#38

Texas Womans University

Denton, TX

Texas Womans University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median General Biology program debt is $22,274. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Set against $22,274 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Texas Womans University report

#39

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #39 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha General Biology students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha

#39

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa

#41

Murray State University

Murray, KY

Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Murray, KY, Murray State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,475 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,737. Set against $24,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Murray State University

#42

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Sam Houston State University

#43

California State University East Bay

Hayward, CA

California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. The median General Biology program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $71,401 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about California State University East Bay

#44

University Of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $19,770. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $19,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report

#45

Georgian Court University

Lakewood, NJ

Georgian Court University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based in Lakewood, NJ, Georgian Court University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,110. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $53,096 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgian Court University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Georgian Court University

#45

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

#47

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, while out-of-state students pay about $22,887. The median General Biology program debt is $24,696. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,872 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne report

#47

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,148 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report

#49

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $17,998 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $17,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. More on San Diego State University

#50

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Biology students take on a median of $25,342 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln