2026 Best Value General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found University Of Nebraska At Omaha to be the best-value General Biology school in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, 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. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
A rank of #2 makes Western Kentucky University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $43,889 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
A rank of #3 makes William Paterson University Of New Jersey one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Wayne, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Students borrow a median of $25,860 to complete their General Biology program here. William Paterson University Of New Jersey alumni report median earnings of $57,780 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,860 median debt. William Paterson University Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full William Paterson University Of New Jersey report
A rank of #4 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values in the United States. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis General Biology students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Temple University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Temple University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. The median General Biology program debt is $18,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh General Biology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Harvard University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. More on Harvard University
Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical General Biology student debt is $17,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,746. That is a strong return on a $17,537 median debt. About 66% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
George Mason University placed #11 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,625. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full George Mason University profile
University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school based in Lowell, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,966, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $26,747 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,747 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Lowell
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #13 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,000. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Oakland University placed #14 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Graduates carry a median of $25,435 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,612 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,435 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oakland University
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,720, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Typical General Biology student debt is $21,712. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,712 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $23,188 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $23,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Montana State University placed #17 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Montana State University is a public school based in Bozeman, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,460, compared with $33,287 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their General Biology program here. Montana State University alumni report median earnings of $53,263 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Montana State University profile
New York University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
University Of South Carolina Columbia landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,620 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,177. Set against $24,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Carolina Columbia profile
Central Connecticut State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in New Britain, CT, Central Connecticut State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Central Connecticut State University General Biology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Connecticut State University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Central Connecticut State University report
Stony Brook University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,502. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. Get the full Stony Brook University report
The University Of Texas At Dallas ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their General Biology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,227 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Dallas
Florida International University placed #23 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical General Biology student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Florida International University
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #24 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York General Biology students take on a median of $19,892 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Connecticut ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Connecticut admits about 52% of applicants. Get the full University Of Connecticut report
University Of North Texas Health Science Center offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. University Of North Texas Health Science Center is a public school based in Fort Worth, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,224, with out-of-state students paying around $24,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,615. More on University Of North Texas Health Science Center
Evergreen Valley College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Evergreen Valley College report
Georgia Military College Milledgeville came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. More on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Juniata College
Juniata College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. See the full Juniata College profile
Mcdaniel College
Mcdaniel College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Ohio Dominican University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. More on Ohio Dominican University
Saint Cloud State University placed #34 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. More on Saint Cloud State University
South Texas College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Read the full report on South Texas College
Bayamon Central University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Bayamon Central University
Mercy College Of Ohio placed #37 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. More on Mercy College Of Ohio
Meridian Technology Center came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Meridian Technology Center
Pomona College
Pomona College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Pomona College
St Catherine University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. More on St Catherine University
University Of Central Missouri ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Central Baptist College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Central Baptist College
Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science placed #45 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Charles R Drew University Of Medicine And Science
Coahoma Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Coahoma Community College
Delaware State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Get the full Delaware State University report
Frank Phillips College placed #48 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Get the full Frank Phillips College report
Holyoke Community College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Holyoke Community College
Lebanon Valley College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. More on Lebanon Valley College
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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Biology Doctoral 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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