by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 7 schools to find the best return on investment for biology studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Snow College the best value for a degree in biology studies in Utah. Set in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $10,440 in student loans. Biology Studies graduates of Snow College earn a median of $42,776 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,440 median debt.
Utah Valley University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value biology studies schools. Located in the city of Orem, Utah Valley University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, with out-of-state students paying around $18,489. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $19,200. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $38,427. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Salt Lake Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Students borrow a median of $10,855 to complete the biology studies program here. Biology Studies graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $42,031 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,855 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for biology studies. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $13,125. Biology Studies graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $44,998 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Utah State University earned it the #5 place for biology studies. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $29,179. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Dixie State College Of Utah landed the #6 spot for biology studies value this year. Located in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, while out-of-state students pay about $18,246. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $13,697. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Dixie State College Of Utah generally make around $35,979. Set against $13,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Utah placed #7 among the best values for biology studies. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $39,212. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
The ranking above is published 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.