2026 Best Value Cell/Cellular & Molecular Biology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Our analysis ranked Purdue University Main Campus the best value for a degree in cell/cellular & molecular biology in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical student debt for cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates is $19,844. Early-career cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates make about $63,111. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned it the #2 place for cell/cellular & molecular biology. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Typical student debt for cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates is $20,422. Soon after graduation, cell/cellular & molecular biology degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $28,062. Set against $20,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value cell/cellular & molecular biology schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete the cell/cellular & molecular biology program here. Early-career cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates make about $29,777. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Students looking for strong value in cell/cellular & molecular biology will find it at Central Michigan University, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Cell/cellular & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Soon after graduation, cell/cellular & molecular biology degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $50,688. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value cell/cellular & molecular biology schools. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical student debt for cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates is $26,378. Soon after graduation, cell/cellular & molecular biology degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $50,179. Set against $26,378 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

6

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value cell/cellular & molecular biology schools. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the cell/cellular & molecular biology program here. Early-career cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates make about $34,154. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

7

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value cell/cellular & molecular biology schools. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete the cell/cellular & molecular biology program here. Cell/cellular & Molecular Biology graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $58,659 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

8

Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University placed #8 among the best values for cell/cellular & molecular biology. Located in the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $66,608. Cell/cellular & Molecular Biology graduates carry a median of $25,106 in student loans. Early-career cell/cellular & molecular biology graduates make about $74,459. That is a strong return on a $25,106 median debt. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.