2026 Best Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1781 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to be the best-value General Biology school in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,214, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. Students borrow a median of $24,889 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Out of the 1781 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $23,630 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Illinois State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Biology ranking in the United States. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,672 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Illinois State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median General Biology program 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%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $25,342 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $25,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of North Texas landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,000. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
San Diego State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. San Diego State University General Biology students take on a median of $17,998 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $17,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. More on San Diego State University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of California Berkeley placed #9 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their General Biology program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median General Biology program debt is $21,893. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,893 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Delaware ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,261. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,261 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of North Dakota landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Dakota
University Of Dayton placed #14 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Dayton
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,999 median debt. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full Worcester Polytechnic Institute profile
Northeastern University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full Northeastern University report
University Of Memphis came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #18 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $23,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
Marquette University placed #19 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Marquette University
Texas Tech University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,875. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Cleveland State University General Biology students take on a median of $26,144 in debt. Cleveland State University alumni report median earnings of $52,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,144 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cleveland State University report
Cornell University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Typical General Biology student debt is $16,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $104,043. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cornell University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,943. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. The median General Biology program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Boston College placed #24 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. More on Boston College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Houston came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median General Biology program debt is $17,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report
Temple University placed #27 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Temple University report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Tennessee State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Graduates carry a median of $29,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,730. That is a strong return on a $29,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Tennessee State University
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,047 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,772 ten years after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Michigan Technological University placed #32 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $21,199 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan Technological University admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Michigan Technological University
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Clemson University
Kansas State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
Northern Arizona University placed #35 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities General Biology students take on a median of $21,218 in debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,218 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Arkansas came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,000. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Arizona State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
University Of Iowa landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median General Biology program debt is $25,512. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At El Paso General Biology students take on a median of $18,479 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. Set against $18,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill General Biology students take on a median of $15,100 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Duquesne University placed #42 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. The median General Biology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duquesne University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median General Biology program debt is $17,537. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
Southern Methodist University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. The median General Biology program debt is $22,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Iowa State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University General Biology students take on a median of $24,614 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Iowa State University report
University Of Utah ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median General Biology program debt is $21,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of California Los Angeles placed #46 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles General Biology students take on a median of $16,028 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,028 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,783. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Saint Louis University Main Campus
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. The median General Biology program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Related General Biology Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (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 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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