Best colleges for Biology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Biology by graduate earnings are University of San Diego ($54,223), Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) and Edgewood University ($51,134), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- University of San Diego (San Diego, CA): $54,223, 66 graduates a year
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA): $51,711, 53 graduates a year
- Edgewood University (Madison, WI): $51,134, 34 graduates a year
- Shepherd University (Shepherdstown, WV): $49,165, 21 graduates a year
- Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI): $47,799, 30 graduates a year
Compare 1,727 U.S. colleges offering Biology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 54 states.
Biology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,145 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.01 and the Biological Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Biology programs
The Biology program, also known as Biology, General, is designed for students interested in the scientific study of life and living organisms. This broad natural science encompasses various fields, focusing on the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of life. It is ideal for those who are curious about the biological processes that govern living systems and wish to explore the complexities of life.
Students in the Biology program will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework typically includes topics in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and the use of technology in biological research, preparing students for hands-on research and data analysis.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of San Diego San Diego, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $54,223 | 66 | 84% | $26,035 | $25,000 |
| 2 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,711 | 53 | 90% | $32,926 | $26,999 |
| 3 | Edgewood University Madison, WI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,134 | 34 | 60% | $23,822 | $29,000 |
| 4 | Shepherd University Shepherdstown, WV Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,165 | 21 | 51% | — | $21,937 |
| 5 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,799 | 30 | 69% | $34,648 | $27,000 |
| 6 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,526 | 138 | 65% | — | $26,747 |
| 7 | Stonehill College Easton, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,088 | 25 | 76% | $24,000 | $27,000 |
| 8 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,846 | 163 | 73% | — | $24,215 |
| 9 | Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,695 | 51 | 88% | $26,912 | $23,128 |
| 10 | Salem State University Salem, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,670 | 65 | 50% | — | $27,000 |
| 11 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,494 | 187 | 91% | $18,925 | $25,000 |
| 12 | University of New Hampshire Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,346 | 146 | 76% | — | $27,000 |
| 13 | Emmanuel College Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,275 | 51 | 68% | $29,723 | $27,000 |
| 14 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,657 | 81 | 76% | $36,137 | $27,000 |
| 15 | Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,626 | 64 | 53% | — | $27,000 |
| 16 | Holy Family University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,567 | 33 | 61% | $12,163 | $28,500 |
| 17 | Worcester State University Worcester, MA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,450 | 43 | 61% | — | $23,625 |
| 18 | California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,370 | 136 | 48% | — | $21,500 |
| 19 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,166 | 64 | 40% | — | $24,450 |
| 20 | Marywood University Scranton, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $43,968 | 33 | 72% | $21,769 | $27,000 |
| 21 | The University of Montana Missoula, MT Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,914 | 40 | 48% | — | $26,718 |
| 22 | Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,797 | 30 | 76% | — | $23,000 |
| 23 | University of Southern Maine Portland, ME Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,722 | 43 | 40% | — | $25,125 |
| 24 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, IN Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,656 | 31 | 43% | — | $21,948 |
| 25 | Hamilton College Clinton, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $43,639 | 41 | 91% | $20,680 | $17,000 |
Top certificate or associate program
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union Adventist University Lincoln, NE Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $74,593 | 11 | 52% | $20,543 | $30,875 |
Specializations within Biology
2 of the 2 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.01 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 54 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4021, Biological Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Biology program can pursue various careers in biological and biomedical sciences. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated 9,100 annual openings and a median wage of $52,000. A typical requirement for entry-level positions is a Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Biology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.01 (Biology, General) maps to 10 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other |
| 19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians |
| 19-4013 | Food Science Technicians |
| 19-4021 | Biological Techniciansprimary |
| 19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Biology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Common questions
What can I do with a degree in Biology?+
A degree in Biology can lead to careers in research, healthcare, environmental science, and education.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and technical support for research.
What is the job outlook for biology graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 9,100 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions require a Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
How much do Biology graduates earn?+
Biology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,145, College Scorecard (2019); the Biological Technicians occupation pays about $61,380 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Biology?+
Biology maps to CIP 26.01 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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