Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree

Badge for BEST FOR BIOLOGY LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. Jed Macosko and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best biology liberal arts colleges in the US maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding biology faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • An undergraduate biology program at a small liberal arts college offers several advantages, such as personalized attention and better opportunities to enroll in a master’s degree at bigger universities.
  • Biology students should expect an easier admission process at liberal arts colleges. However, the biology department of a liberal arts college is not as competitive as those found in more prominent universities.
  • Biology encompasses a broad field of science. As a biology major, you’ll study different fields of biology, including marine biology, organismal biology, cellular and molecular biology, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, and general biology.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges for Biology Degrees in 2025

  1. Wesleyan University
    +3
  2. Amherst College
    +1
  3. Swarthmore College
    –1
  4. United States Military Academy
    +3
  5. Williams College
  6. Smith College
    +17
  7. Oberlin College
    +4
  8. Wellesley College
    –2
  9. Barnard College
    +9
  10. Vassar College
    +6

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, we see a large amount of shift taking place in the top ten liberal arts colleges for biology degrees. The two colleges with the most movement are Smith College and Bryn Mawr College.

Smith College saw a large amount of growth as the school has introduced several appealing improvements, focusing on enhancing academic opportunities and campus life. The college has expanded its interdisciplinary programs, particularly in environmental studies, data science, and social justice, providing students with more diverse and impactful learning pathways. Smith has also increased financial aid and scholarship options to make education more accessible to a broader range of students.

Bryn Mawr College has made several strategic improvements for the 2025 school year designed to enhance student experience and academic growth. The college has expanded its interdisciplinary programs, especially in areas like global health, environmental sustainability, and data analytics, to meet the demands of an evolving job market. Campus facilities have been upgraded, including state-of-the-art laboratories and revitalized communal spaces to foster collaboration and creativity. Bryn Mawr has also strengthened its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering more resources and support for underrepresented students.

Featured Programs

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $67,016
    Expenses: $21,704
    Starting Salary: $39,706
    Salary after 4 years: $60,818
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan Univeristy Biology Major

    • BA / MA in Biology
    • Developmental Biology
    • Ecology
    • Evolution
    • Genetics / Genomics / Bioinformatics
    • Neurology, Neurophysiology, and Behavior

    Source

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  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $52,169
    Salary after 4 years: $79,907
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst College Biology Major Pathways

    • Environmental
    • Neurobiology
    • Cancer
    • General
    • Infectious Disease

    Source

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  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,412
    Expenses: $21,691
    Starting Salary: $43,839
    Salary after 4 years: $67,149
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore Biology Major

    Swarthmore College’s Biology Department promotes the learning of scientific methods, scientific communication skills, quantitative and qualitative research, and experiment design. Students work closely with faculty and staff as they acquire knowledge about biology and share the results of their work. In fact, students sharing their research with the campus community, as well as at the regional and national levels, is quite common.

    Advanced seminars in biology at Swarthmore College offer students a closer look at several biological disciplines, preparing them to take on more complex research problems. The school offers funds for field research both on and off campus. In addition, students can gain additional experience by applying to be an academic or laboratory teaching assistant. Academic assistants, also known as Science Associates, host study group meetings for first- and second-year students. Laboratory Teaching Assistants assist the professor during lab courses, acting as the eyes, ears, and hands of the teacher while class is in session.

    Students research at Swarthmore takes place on and off campus. On campus, the college is home to the Edward Martin Biological Laboratory, which has laboratories, a greenhouse, microscopy suite, dark room, herbarium, and much more. Other students may conduct research in the Scott Arboretum and Crum Woods, which provide field experiences for students studying environmental science.

    Swarthmore College offers a major and minor in Biology and also four interdisciplinary majors related to biology:

    • Biochemistry
    • Biology and Educational Studies
    • Environmental Science
    • Neuroscience

    Students in these programs can take advantage of summer research opportunities offered on and off campus every year.

    Source

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  4. #4

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    What is United States Military Academy known for?

    United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USMA Life Science Major

    • Life Science
    • Pre-Med

    Source

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  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $56,240
    Salary after 4 years: $86,142
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Williams College Biology Major Concentrations

    • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major
    • Bioinformatics, Genomics, and Proteomics
    • Environmental Studies
    • Public Health
    • Medicine
    • Neuroscience Major
    • Maritime Studies

    Source

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  7. #6

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $32,003
    Salary after 4 years: $49,019
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

    Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Smith College Biology Major Tracks

    • Integrative Biology
    • Cells, Physiology, and Development
    • Genetics, Evolution, and Molecular Biosciences
    • Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
    • Biology and Education

    Source

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  8. #7

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,646
    Expenses: $22,758
    Starting Salary: $28,496
    Salary after 4 years: $43,647
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College Biology Major

    In the Biology Department, students and faculty work together to explore new ideas and solve complex problems. The Biology curriculum ensures that all students develop a common set of core knowledge, skills, and competencies, while at the same time fostering personalized pathways through the major. The Oberlin College Science Center is a state-of-the-art building with classroom and instructional research facilities for up to 45 student researchers in biology, 30 in chemistry, and 15 in neuroscience. Biology students may collaborate with faculty on systems and organisms research that investigates bacteria, wasps, crayfish, nematodes, opossums, aquatic plants, and more. Field teams cooperate in observational, analytical, and experimental enquiries, investigating ecological and evolutionary processes in river, forest, desert, tropical, and urban ecosystems.

    Source

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  9. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $44,967
    Salary after 4 years: $68,876
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wellesley College Biological Sciences Major

    The Biological Science major requires nine biology courses and at least two chemistry courses. The faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences maintain high standards for both teaching and research with several faculty members having been awarded The Pinanski Teaching prizes for teaching excellence. Faculty actively pursue extramural funding to support research programs that also train undergraduate students in the development of that research. Nearly all courses offered by the department include a laboratory or field-based component where students can design and perform their own experiments.

    The Department of Biological Sciences is committed to inclusive excellence and values the diversity of our students, faculty and staff. Anyone interested in life is welcome to join this vibrant and supportive community.

    Source

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  10. #9

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $66,246
    Expenses: $23,562
    Starting Salary: $43,652
    Salary after 4 years: $66,861
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barnard College Biology Major Tracks

    • General Biology
    • Cellular & Molecular
    • Ecological & Evolutionary
    • Physiological & Organismal

    Source

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  12. #10

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $38,516
    Salary after 4 years: $58,995
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vassar College Biology Major

    • Biology General
    • Biology and Culture

    Source

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  13. #11

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1387/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $62,560
    Expenses: $20,690
    Starting Salary: $38,203
    Salary after 4 years: $58,515
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

    Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bryn Mawr College Biology Major Interdisciplinary Concentrations

    • Data Science
    • Environmental Studies
    • Health Studies
    • Neuroscience

    Source

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  14. #12

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $67,020
    Expenses: $19,520
    Starting Salary: $33,005
    Salary after 4 years: $50,554
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Reed College Biology Major Concentrations

    • Biology General
    • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
    • Environmental Studies-Biology
    • Neuroscience
    • Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

    Source

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  15. #13

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $68,020
    Expenses: $22,082
    Starting Salary: $47,033
    Salary after 4 years: $72,041
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Haverford College Biology Major Concentrations

    • Cell Biology
    • Genetics
    • Immunology
    • Microbiology
    • Neurobiology
    • Developmental Biology
    • Protein Biochemistry
    • Coevolution of Plants and the Environment

    Source

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  16. #14

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $62,326
    Expenses: $22,974
    Starting Salary: $48,411
    Salary after 4 years: $74,152
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pomona College Biology

    Pomona College’s Biology Department offers students both a major and minor program in biology. The major program requires that students earn 32 course credits. The minor can be completed by taking 5 biology courses.

    Within Pomona College, students and faculty conduct research in numerous areas, including plant biology, cell and molecular biology, organismal biology, and environmental biology, among others. Students can take advantage of interdisciplinary programs as well, that combine elements of biology with other disciplines.

    Joint biology programs include programs in:

    • Public Policy Analysis — Biology
    • Environmental Analysis
    • Neuroscience
    • Molecular Biology
    • Medical Sciences
    • Plant Biology

    Students at Pomona College can also choose to study abroad, with numerous opportunities in different fields. Students could choose to study earth systems in New Zealand, comparative ecology and conservation in Ecuador, or marine and tropical biology in Australia. Other programs are offered to biology majors in countries including Israel, Spain, Mexico, France, Germany, and more.

    For those students choosing to remain at Pomona College, research facilities are located on campus to facilitate student and faculty research efforts. Some students may study at the Herman Garner Ecological Preserve and others may do research at the Richard S. Seaver Building, which houses the school’s greenhouses and other research and development laboratories.

    Class sizes at Pomona College are small, giving students personal attention and support throughout their studies. The culmination of the biology degree requires an original biological investigation, allowing students the chance to conduct scientific inquiry with the support of Pomona’s exceptional faculty and research staff.

    Source

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  18. #15

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,910
    Expenses: $20,190
    Starting Salary: $52,169
    Salary after 4 years: $79,907
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bowdoin College Biology Major Concentration

    • Integrative Biology
    • Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
    • Molecular and Cellular Biology

    Source

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  19. #16

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $65,280
    Expenses: $20,600
    Starting Salary: $45,029
    Salary after 4 years: $68,972
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middlebury College known for?

    Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middlebury College Biology Major Concentrations

    • Environmental Science
    • Neuroscience
    • Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

    Source

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  20. #17

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $67,024
    Expenses: $20,046
    Starting Salary: $50,791
    Salary after 4 years: $77,797
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

    Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colgate University Biology Major Concentrations

    • General Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Environmental Biology
    • Natural Sciences with concentration in Marine Science – Freshwater Science

    Source

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  21. #18

    United States Air Force Academy

    USAF Academy , CO
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    What is United States Air Force Academy known for?

    United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    USAFA Biology Major Concentrations

    • Environmental and Organismal Biology
    • Bioenvironmental Engineering
    • Cellular and Molecular Biology
    • Human Factors and Performance
    • Aerospace Physiology
    • Physical Therapy
    • Professional or Advanced Degree Option

    Source

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  22. #19

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Minnesota 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $65,457
    Expenses: $19,436
    Starting Salary: $42,524
    Salary after 4 years: $65,134
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carleton College known for?

    Carleton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carleton College Biology Major Concentrations

    • Molecular and Cell Biology
    • Organismic Biology
    • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

    Source

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  24. #20

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $69,330
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $34,132
    Salary after 4 years: $52,280
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kenyon College known for?

    Kenyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kenyon College Biology Major Tracks

    • Healthcare
    • Biotechnology
    • Environment

    Source

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  25. #21

    Colorado College

    Colorado Springs , CO
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Colorado College

    Cost of Degree: $67,932
    Expenses: $19,196
    Starting Salary: $31,251
    Salary after 4 years: $47,868
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colorado College known for?

    Colorado College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colorado College Major Concentrations

    • Molecular Biology
    • Organismal Biology and Ecology

    Source

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  26. #22

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $60,050
    Expenses: $19,175
    Starting Salary: $44,528
    Salary after 4 years: $68,204
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Davidson College Biology Major

    Research opportunities with professors

    • Behavioral ecology
    • Biodiversity, conservation biology, & community ecology
    • Developmental neurobiology
    • Environmental cell biology
    • Genetics of mitochondrial morphogenesis
    • Genomics & synthetic biology
    • Immunology
    • Insect community ecology & conservation biology
    • Nervous system maintenance & regeneration
    • Viral pathogenesis

    Source

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  27. #23

    Harvey Mudd College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/35

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Harvey Mudd College

    Cost of Degree: $66,255
    Expenses: $23,910
    Starting Salary: $65,258
    Salary after 4 years: $99,956
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Harvey Mudd College known for?

    Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Harvey Mud College Biology Major

    • Mathematical and Computational Biology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Joint Major in Chemistry and Biology

    Source

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  28. #24

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $64,150
    Expenses: $22,350
    Starting Salary: $58,369
    Salary after 4 years: $89,404
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College Biology Major

    The biology major of the Keck Science Department aims to provide students with skills and knowledge t to effectively engage and evaluate biological science issues and innovations and to prepare them as leaders in research, biotechnology, and health-related career fields.

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  30. #25

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    San Luis Obispo , CA
    #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for Biology degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

    Cost of Degree: $11,075
    Expenses: $21,246
    Starting Salary: $49,792
    Salary after 4 years: $73,007
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?

    California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cal Poly Biological Science Major Concentrations

    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Conservation
    • Molecular & Cellular Biology
    • General Curriculum Biology

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Career Outlook for Students with Biology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Biology/Biological Sciences

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,006
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,410
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $32,126
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $47,104
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
  • Job Growth: 1.47%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,457,600
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers7.49%$157,740
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists11.46%$100,890
Biological Scientists, All Other5.69%$91,100
Life Scientists, All Other6.25%$86,950
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary8.32%$83,920

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Natural Sciences Managers$157,740
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$100,890
Biological Scientists, All Other$91,100
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Go to all Liberal Arts for Biology programs

Searching for Outstanding Colleges for Biology Majors

Biology is one of the most common majors for students planning to attend medical school in the future. Biology majors often become biochemists, biologists, physician assistants, research scientists, environmental scientists, botanists, and various other careers after graduation.

Most biology programs at small liberal arts institutions aim to teach students how to question what is still unknown in addition to studying what is already known in the discipline. They want students to “do” biology rather than merely learn it.

Benefits of Studying Biology in a Liberal Arts College

To be a great man of science, one must ask impertinent questions to have a pertinent answer. Liberal arts colleges do just that, encouraging students to ask difficult and sometimes impertinent questions.

Graduates of liberal arts colleges are twice as likely to earn a PhD than those at larger college and university graduates. Graduates of liberal arts colleges also have an impressive record in the nation’s scientific community.

There are three significant benefits of studying biology in liberal arts colleges:

Liberal arts colleges enable students to comprehend scientific issues and procedures.

The next generation of able scientists needs a background in biology, the social sciences, and the humanities. In doing so, they will be able to advance their field of study and understand when such advances are timely and in the broader interest of the world. Likewise, they’ll know how to manage the advances in science and political, legal, and economic systems to ensure that biology is employed for the common good.

Biology majors at liberal arts colleges complete a broad general education curriculum to help them see science in a larger context.

Liberal arts colleges develop students’ critical thinking skills for applying the sciences to real-world issues.

To become a great man of biology, one must be able to apply research to real-world problems. And doing so requires critical thinking that develops through a liberal arts education. It’s essential to have both scientific communication skills and critical thinking skills.

An integral part of critical and creative thinking is learning to ask the appropriate, probing questions. Equally important is having the courage to do so.

Liberal arts colleges provide students with personalized attention and a greater hands-on learning experience.

Aside from having small class sizes, liberal arts college professors see their job as a combination of teaching and scholarship. Faculty professors rather than graduate assistants are in charge of supervising laboratory courses.

Unlike larger research universities, liberal arts biology faculty members allow their undergraduate students to help with their research projects. Larger-scale universities only grant this opportunity to graduate students.

Additionally, professors at liberal arts colleges often help their students enroll in graduate school.

3-2 Programs

Liberal arts colleges may not have the same research facilities as Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Duke University, or Yale University, but these small colleges offer 3-2 programs. The Biology 3+2 program gives students a unique chance to earn their bachelor’s in a liberal arts college and master’s degrees in more prominent schools in just five years. These programs allow students to study their field with an additional humanities background while using facilities in larger universities.

A few of the best liberal arts colleges that offer 3-2 program in biology include:

  • Amherst College
  • Bowdoin College
  • Bucknell University
  • Carleton College
  • Davidson College
  • Harvey Mudd College
  • Smith College
  • Swarthmore College
  • Union College
  • Williams College

A bachelor’s degree in biology is an excellent starting point for a career in zoology, ecology, botany, and a host of other fascinating STEM fields. As a biology major, you’ll study the full spectrum of life sciences. Your biology degree may incorporate subjects such as evolutionary biology, biochemistry, and microbiology, as well as foundational courses in subjects like human anatomy and biodiversity. The best schools for biology are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of biology concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Biology bachelor’s degrees are the 6th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s slightly more popular among women, and ranks the 4th most popular degree among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in biology.

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