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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

57 Colleges in the United States
$25,235 Avg Student Debt
$63,875 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Biology Studies Badge [Biology Studies](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong biology studies education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 107 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value biology studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Biology Studies Schools in Pennsylvania

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Biology Studies Schools

1
Swarthmore College crest
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore College earned the #1 spot for value among biology studies schools in Pennsylvania. Swarthmore College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Swarthmore. In-state tuition and fees average $65,494. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Swarthmore College generally make around $41,122. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%.

2

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Located in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,046, while out-of-state students pay about $22,870. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania admits about 93% of applicants.

3

Montgomery County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Blue Bell, Montgomery County Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,690, compared with $17,250 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $15,219. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Montgomery County Community College generally make around $39,025. That is a strong return on a $15,219 median debt.

4
Holy Family University crest
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Holy Family University earned it the #4 place for biology studies. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Holy Family University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,330 in tuition and fees. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. Biology Studies graduates of Holy Family University earn a median of $44,567 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

5

A rank of #5 makes Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington one of the best values for biology studies. Set in the suburb of Abington, Pennsylvania State University Penn State Abington is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,268, with out-of-state students paying around $25,664. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

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6

Lehigh Carbon Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Lehigh Carbon Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Schnecksville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $13,270. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $14,450. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Lehigh Carbon Community College generally make around $39,957. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #7 among the best values for biology studies. Set in the town of East Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $43,182. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants.

8

Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg landed the #8 spot for biology studies value this year. Located in the city of Harrisburg, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Students borrow a median of $20,867 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg generally make around $41,382. Set against $20,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Northampton County Area Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Located in the suburb of Bethlehem, Northampton County Area Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $17,250. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $35,960. That is a strong return on a $17,250 median debt.

10

Community College Of Philadelphia earned the #10 position for value in biology studies this year. Community College Of Philadelphia is a large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,632, while out-of-state students pay about $12,744. Students borrow a median of $16,059 to complete the biology studies program here. Biology Studies graduates of Community College Of Philadelphia earn a median of $37,988 early in their careers. Set against $16,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #11 among the best values for biology studies. Located in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus generally make around $31,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

12

Pennsylvania Western University came in at #12 for value in biology studies this year. Set in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 94%.

13

University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg came in at #13 for value in biology studies this year. Set in the suburb of Greensburg, University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a small public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,710 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,584 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $33,576. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

14

University Of Pittsburgh Bradford placed #14 among the best values for biology studies. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bradford. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,770, with out-of-state students paying around $26,644. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $33,576. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Bradford admits about 88% of applicants.

15

Pennsylvania State University Penn State York earned the #15 position for value in biology studies this year. Pennsylvania State University Penn State York is a small public school located in the suburb of York. In-state tuition and fees average $15,208, compared with $25,392 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University Penn State York admits about 97% of applicants.

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16

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Set in the town of Slippery Rock, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the biology studies program here. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $33,206. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

17
Lycoming College crest
Lycoming College
Williamsport, PA

Lycoming College came in at #17 for value in biology studies this year. Set in the city of Williamsport, Lycoming College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,804. Students borrow a median of $26,837 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Lycoming College generally make around $32,319. That is a strong return on a $26,837 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

18

University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Set in the suburb of Johnstown, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,906, with out-of-state students paying around $26,780. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown generally make around $33,576. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

19

Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania landed the #19 spot for biology studies value this year. Set in the rural area of Cheyney, Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,904, while out-of-state students pay about $18,870. Biology Studies graduates of Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $28,128 early in their careers.

20
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania crest
Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania
Lincoln University, PA

Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for biology studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Lincoln University, Lincoln University Of Pennsylvania is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $12,512 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,384. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $25,219 in student loans. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $41,443. That is a strong return on a $25,219 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

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21

York College Pennsylvania came in at #21 for value in biology studies this year. Located in the suburb of York, York College Pennsylvania is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $26,912 in student loans. Biology Studies graduates of York College Pennsylvania earn a median of $37,110 early in their careers. Set against $26,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

22

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot for biology studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Millersville, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $38,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants.

23

Saint Francis University came in at #23 for value in biology studies this year. Located in the rural area of Loretto, Saint Francis University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $26,388 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $27,000. Biology Studies graduates of Saint Francis University earn a median of $25,411 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Francis University admits about 77% of applicants.

24
Carlow University crest
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carlow University came in at #24 for value in biology studies this year. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carlow University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,874 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Carlow University generally make around $36,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.

25
Westminster College Pa crest
Westminster College Pa
New Wilmington, PA

Westminster College Pa ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Set in the rural area of New Wilmington, Westminster College Pa is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,290. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $27,467. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Biology Studies Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for biology studies this year:

26
27
28
Allegheny College crest
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA
29
La Salle University crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
30
Marywood University crest
Marywood University
Scranton, PA
31
32
33
Albright College crest
Albright College
Reading, PA
34
Seton Hill University crest
Seton Hill University
Greensburg, PA
35
Cedar Crest College crest
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA
36
37
38
39
40
Haverford College crest
Haverford College
Haverford, PA
41
Kings College crest
Kings College
Wilkes-Barre, PA
42
43
Chatham University crest
Chatham University
Pittsburgh, PA
44
Arcadia University crest
Arcadia University
Glenside, PA
45
Robert Morris University crest
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA
46
47
Elizabethtown College crest
Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown, PA
48
Susquehanna University crest
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA
49
Messiah College crest
Messiah College
Mechanicsburg, PA
50

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Notes and References

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 · 107 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 57 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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