2026 Best Value Molecular Biology Schools in the Far Western Region

1

University Of California San Diego
La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego earned the #1 spot for value among molecular biology schools in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from University Of California San Diego generally make around $60,797. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants.

2

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Irvine one of the best values for molecular biology. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in molecular biology will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $14,920 in student loans. Molecular Biology graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $59,523 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

4

Brigham Young University Hawaii
Laie, HI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Hawaii earned it the #4 place for molecular biology. Brigham Young University Hawaii is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Laie. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $41,461. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

5

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

Washington State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in molecular biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $46,514. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

6

Pomona College
Claremont, CA

Pomona College landed the #6 spot for molecular biology value this year. Located in the suburb of Claremont, Pomona College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,420. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $75,954. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #7 for value in molecular biology this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Typical student debt for molecular biology graduates is $3,750. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $34,468. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.