2027 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in Maine

[Biology Studies](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for biology studies students.
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2027 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in Maine
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Biology Studies Schools
Our analysis ranked Kennebec Valley Community College the best value for a degree in biology studies in Maine. Set in the town of Fairfield, Kennebec Valley Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,165 to complete the biology studies program here. Biology Studies graduates of Kennebec Valley Community College earn a median of $43,896 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,165 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Bowdoin College one of the best values for biology studies. Located in the town of Brunswick, Bowdoin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,832 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,658 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Bowdoin College generally make around $58,938. That is a strong return on a $20,658 median debt. The acceptance rate is 7%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Southern Maine one of the best values for biology studies. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $25,125 in student loans. Biology Studies graduates of University Of Southern Maine earn a median of $43,722 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maine At Augusta is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Augusta, University Of Maine At Augusta is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,888, compared with $22,178 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $29,313. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from University Of Maine At Augusta generally make around $45,574. Set against $29,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Colby College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value biology studies schools. Located in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,600. Students borrow a median of $22,016 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $43,597. Set against $22,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Maine At Farmington came in at #6 for value in biology studies this year. Set in the rural area of Farmington, University Of Maine At Farmington is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,308 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,878 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $33,300. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maine At Farmington admits about 97% of applicants.
University Of Maine earned the #7 position for value in biology studies this year. Set in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $26,000. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $34,029. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.
Bates College placed #8 among the best values for biology studies. Set in the city of Lewiston, Bates College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $66,590 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $12,850. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $30,613. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bates College admits about 13% of applicants.
University Of New England landed the #9 spot for biology studies value this year. University Of New England is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Biddeford. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $34,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.