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2026 Best Value Molecular Biology Schools in the Southeast Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in molecular biology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Molecular Biology Schools
Middle Tennessee State University earned the #1 spot for value among molecular biology schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Molecular Biology graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $28,642 early in their careers. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.
A rank of #2 makes Mississippi State University one of the best values for molecular biology. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $24,838 in student loans. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from Mississippi State University generally make around $30,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in molecular biology will find it at East Carolina University, which ranked #3. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,581 to complete the molecular biology program here. Molecular Biology graduates of East Carolina University earn a median of $51,931 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in molecular biology will find it at Vanderbilt University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical student debt for molecular biology graduates is $14,250. Molecular Biology graduates of Vanderbilt University earn a median of $58,034 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants.
Lipscomb University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value molecular biology schools. Set in the city of Nashville, Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,572. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete the molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, molecular biology degree recipients from Lipscomb University generally make around $33,399. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lipscomb University admits about 68% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Duke University earned the #6 position for value in molecular biology this year. Duke University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Durham. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. Early-career molecular biology graduates make about $83,388. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%.
Narrow Molecular Biology Schools by State
[Molecular Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/biochemistry-biophysics-molecular-biology/molecular-biology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong molecular biology education at a price that pays off.
