Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees 2026
The best biology schools are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best biology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding biology faculty.
Key Takeaways
- Many of the best colleges and universities for biology degrees integrate biology with other disciplines such as bioinformatics, biochemistry, and environmental studies, providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for diverse career paths or advanced studies.
- The institutions in our ranking offer extensive research programs and access to state-of-the-art laboratories, enabling students to engage in hands-on experiments and contribute to groundbreaking studies in fields like genetics, microbiology, and environmental science.
- The best colleges and universities for biology degrees often include unique fieldwork opportunities in ecosystems like rainforests, coral reefs, or arctic tundras, along with study abroad options that allow students to explore global biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees in 2026
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 and is one of the most popular degrees for those wishing to work with animals. 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
Featured Programs
The Best Colleges and Universities for Biology Degrees
- #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #1 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #1 Best Universities in the World 2026
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
97%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/35
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Harvard University
Cost of Degree: $59,076Expenses: $27,629Starting Salary: $61,816Salary after 4 years: $94,683Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
Tuition + fees
$74K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
39K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Columbia University
Cost of Degree: $68,171Expenses: $20,542Starting Salary: $55,466Salary after 4 years: $84,957Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
92%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1545/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Stanford University
Cost of Degree: $62,484Expenses: $25,349Starting Salary: $63,530Salary after 4 years: $97,309Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$70K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
96%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Yale University
Cost of Degree: $64,700Expenses: $23,600Starting Salary: $59,990Salary after 4 years: $91,887Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
5%
Graduation
96%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1550/35
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $60,156Expenses: $22,574Starting Salary: $77,324Salary after 4 years: $118,436Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
71%
Student body
62K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/25
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Arizona
Cost of Degree: $13,277Expenses: $19,500Starting Salary: $36,420Salary after 4 years: $53,401Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryUniversity of Arizona’s Online Degrees
BA in Africana Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Administration of Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Care, Health and Society
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Emergency Medical Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Cyber Operations
Degree Concentrations
- Engineering
- Defense & Forensics
- and Cyber Law & Policy
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Early Childhood
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Environmental Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Global Media
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Government and Public Service
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Human Rights Practice
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Information Science and ESociety
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Law
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Regional Commerce
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Philosophy: Ethics
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nutritional Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Spanish
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sustainable Built Environments
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of General Studies in Science, Technology, Health and Society
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #1 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2026 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #3 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
92%
Student body
62K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/31
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Florida
Cost of Degree: $6,381Expenses: $16,220Starting Salary: $42,386Salary after 4 years: $62,148Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2026 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2026
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
90%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1477/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $67,016Expenses: $21,704Starting Salary: $44,001Salary after 4 years: $67,397Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Swarthmore College
Cost of Degree: $62,412Expenses: $21,691Starting Salary: $43,748Salary after 4 years: $67,009Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026
Tuition + fees
$74K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
93%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Amherst College
Cost of Degree: $67,280Expenses: $20,360Starting Salary: $48,234Salary after 4 years: $73,879Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2026
Tuition + fees
$73K
Acceptance
8%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1530/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Williams College
Cost of Degree: $64,860Expenses: $20,000Starting Salary: $48,636Salary after 4 years: $74,495Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026
Tuition + fees
$69K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $62,326Expenses: $22,974Starting Salary: $42,719Salary after 4 years: $65,433Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salary - #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Jersey
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
48%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for Biology degree at Kean University
Cost of Degree: $13,426Expenses: $21,004Starting Salary: $33,667Salary after 4 years: $49,364Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryKean University’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management- Entrepreneurship
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management- Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management- Supply Chain
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Management-General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Biology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2026 #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2026 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
51%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/20
Career Outlook for Biology degree at West Texas A&M University
Cost of Degree: $9,101Expenses: $15,503Starting Salary: $29,727Salary after 4 years: $43,587Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWest Texas A&M University’s Online Degrees
BS in Economics
Degree Concentrations
- Digital Collaboration and Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BAc in Accounting
Degree Concentrations
- General
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Economics
Degree Concentrations
- Law and Economics Specialization
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in General Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BAAS in Applied Arts and Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Animal Science
- Art
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biology
- Business Law and Ethics
- (Speech) Communication
- Computer Art
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- Engineering Technology
- English
- Geology
- History
- Legal Studies
- Mass Communication–Broadcasting
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Science and Technology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BGS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Game Development & Design 2026 #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2026 #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2026 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
22%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/22
Career Outlook for Biology degree at University of Houston–Victoria
Cost of Degree: $7,499Expenses: $15,252Starting Salary: $30,184Salary after 4 years: $44,258Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryUniversity of Houston–Victoria’s Online Degrees
BA in Art
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Digital Gaming
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Economics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in International Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Supply Chain Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Creative Writing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication Design
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Mathematical Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Mathematics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Political Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Spanish
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Kinesiology
Degree Concentrations
- Sports Science Specialization
- Pre-Allied Health
- Sports Management Specialization
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Biology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4-5 years
- Format: Fully online
Career Outlook for Students with Biology Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolBiology/Biological Sciences
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,014
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,409
- 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
| Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | 7.49% | $157,740 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 11.46% | $100,890 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | 5.69% | $91,100 |
| Life Scientists, All Other | 6.25% | $86,950 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 8.32% | $83,920 |
Top Industries
| Industry | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers | $157,740 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $100,890 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $91,100 |
The Best Biology Schools in Your State
Learn More About Biology
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