[Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/biochemistry-biophysics-molecular-biology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 776 schools to find the best return on investment for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology students.
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Finding the Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology School for You
Where you study biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology affects both what you pay and what you earn. To help, we created our Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools ranking. It weighs the cost of a degree against the outcomes graduates go on to achieve, so you can find the strongest return on your investment.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.
For return on investment in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology, no school beat California State University Fullerton this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $17,200. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $38,869 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.
Stanford University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology schools. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from Stanford University generally make around $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University San Marcos earned it the #3 place for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. Set in the suburb of San Marcos, California State University San Marcos is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $16,666. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $57,682. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology will find it at Cuny City College, which ranked #4. Cuny City College is a large public school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,389 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $44,175. Set against $13,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.
A rank of #5 makes California State University Sacramento one of the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $46,689. Set against $16,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Princeton University earned the #6 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $41,848 early in their careers. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.
California State University Long Beach placed #7 among the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $11,000. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $36,841. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
California State University Northridge placed #8 among the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $16,202. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $45,453 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
University Of California San Diego earned the #9 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Located in the city of La Jolla, University Of California San Diego is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $17,500. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of University Of California San Diego earn a median of $45,066 early in their careers. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Irvine came in at #10 for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $42,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%.
California State University Los Angeles came in at #11 for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $16,730. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from California State University Los Angeles generally make around $50,428. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
San Francisco State University landed the #12 spot for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology value this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $15,675 in student loans. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $50,955 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.
California State University East Bay earned the #13 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Located in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $18,073 in student loans. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $58,951. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #14 spot for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology value this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $9,500. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $49,100 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.
California State University Fresno earned the #15 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $26,380. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.
California State University Dominguez Hills placed #16 among the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Students borrow a median of $15,886 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $52,683. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. California State University Dominguez Hills admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Washington Bothell Campus came in at #17 for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,919 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,814 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of University Of Washington Bothell Campus earn a median of $38,985 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Utah placed #18 among the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. Set in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $20,798. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $60,527 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
Florida State University landed the #19 spot for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology value this year. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $17,750. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $31,074 early in their careers. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #20 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $35,779. That is a strong return on a $13,287 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The University Of Texas Pan American earned the #21 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Set in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $46,404 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Purdue University Main Campus earned the #22 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $18,540 in student loans. Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $41,625 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology schools. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $14,920. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $59,523. That is a strong return on a $14,920 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%.
University Of Illinois At Chicago earned the #24 position for value in biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology this year. Set in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates is $15,000. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $34,308. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.
Utah State University placed #25 among the best values for biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,750 to complete the biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology program here. Early-career biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology graduates make about $42,236. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology Schools
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s biochemistry, biophysics & molecular biology value ranking:
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 776 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 281 ranked schools only.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).