2026 Best Value Biotechnology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

North Central State College
Mansfield, OH

North Central State College tops our 2026 list of the best value biotechnology schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the rural area of Mansfield, North Central State College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,786, compared with $11,374 for out-of-state students. Biotechnology graduates carry a median of $12,236 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biotechnology degree recipients from North Central State College generally make around $47,458. Set against $12,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Chicago earned it the #2 place for biotechnology. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Biotechnology graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biotechnology degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. That is a strong return on a $20,115 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

3

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Students looking for strong value in biotechnology will find it at Ferris State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for biotechnology graduates is $23,562. Biotechnology graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $54,608 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value biotechnology schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the biotechnology program here. Biotechnology graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $57,461 early in their careers. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

5

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #5 place for biotechnology. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Typical student debt for biotechnology graduates is $20,542. Soon after graduation, biotechnology degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $52,123. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value biotechnology schools. Located in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for biotechnology graduates is $21,813. Early-career biotechnology graduates make about $78,060. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

7

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent earned the #7 position for value in biotechnology this year. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Biotechnology graduates carry a median of $25,174 in student loans. Biotechnology graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $44,776 early in their careers. Set against $25,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #8 spot for biotechnology value this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Biotechnology graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Early-career biotechnology graduates make about $75,972. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.