2026 Best Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Biology master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1781 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Fitchburg State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
A rank of #2 makes Hood College one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Frederick, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $57,089 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Hood College profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Charleston Southern University, which ranked #4 this year. Based 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. That is a strong return on a $28,979 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Charleston Southern University
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez came in at #5 on this year's best-value General Biology ranking in the United States. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public school based in Mayaguez, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical General Biology student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
West Texas A And M University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. West Texas A And M University General Biology students take on a median of $23,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Youngstown State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Northern Illinois University placed #9 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University General Biology students take on a median of $23,630 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Bemidji State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,494. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,494 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. 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. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Illinois State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median General Biology program debt is $24,672. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,672 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Illinois State University profile
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. The median General Biology program debt is $24,889. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,348 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,889 median debt. Read more about Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Fort Hays State University General Biology students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fort Hays State University
Midwestern State University placed #15 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. The median General Biology program debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus General Biology students take on a median of $8,632 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. Set against $8,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical General Biology student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Saint Cloud State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,450 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,250. Typical General Biology student debt is $25,096. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $25,096 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Point Loma Nazarene University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,750. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Purdue University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Purdue University Northwest
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Dominican University Of California came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Dominican University Of California is a private not-for-profit school based in San Rafael, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,161. Dominican University Of California General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,713. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dominican University Of California has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Dominican University Of California report
Salisbury University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Salisbury University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. The median General Biology program debt is $19,000. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Western Illinois University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,585. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,585 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Biology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Typical General Biology student debt is $24,034. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Montclair State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University General Biology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota General Biology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #29 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Wichita State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,314 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,314 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wichita State University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median General Biology program debt is $25,552. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Delaware State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dover, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. Delaware State University General Biology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. More on Delaware State University
John Carroll University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Biology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,860. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full John Carroll University profile
San Francisco State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. The median General Biology program debt is $15,000. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full San Francisco State University report
South Dakota State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. South Dakota State University General Biology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,519 to complete their General Biology program here. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. See the full Southeast Missouri State University profile
Texas Womans University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,274 in student loans. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
University Of Northern Iowa placed #39 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median General Biology program debt is $21,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Murray State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. This public school is set in Murray, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, compared with $19,836 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,475 to complete their General Biology program here. Median earnings reach $44,737 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,475 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Murray State University profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Students borrow a median of $23,853 to complete their General Biology program here. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $23,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
California State University East Bay came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. California State University East Bay General Biology students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $19,770 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. Set against $19,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Arkansas
Georgian Court University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakewood, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,110. The median General Biology program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $53,096 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Georgian Court University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Biology schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their General Biology program here. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne placed #47 among the best-value General Biology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $24,696 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne profile
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Typical General Biology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $56,148 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
San Diego State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $17,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. More on San Diego State University
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 average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,342 to complete their General Biology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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