by our College Data Analytics Team
[Biology Studies](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 25 schools to find the best return on investment for biology studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Arizona Western College, our #1 best value for biology studies in Arizona. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, while out-of-state students pay about $9,870. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Phoenix College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Phoenix College is a large public school located in the city of Phoenix. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $15,204. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Phoenix College generally make around $51,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Set in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the biology studies program here. Biology Studies graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Estrella Mountain Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $21,752. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Estrella Mountain Community College generally make around $78,359. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Chandler Gilbert Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.
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Mesa Community College came in at #6 for value in biology studies this year. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Paradise Valley Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value biology studies schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $14,204 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Paradise Valley Community College generally make around $71,136. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Arizona State University placed #8 among the best values for biology studies. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $21,250. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $40,812. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Northern Arizona University landed the #9 spot for biology studies value this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for biology studies graduates is $20,500. Biology Studies graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $38,014 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Arizona placed #10 among the best values for biology studies. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Biology Studies graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Early-career biology studies graduates make about $37,020. That is a strong return on a $23,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Grand Canyon University landed the #11 spot for biology studies value this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. Students borrow a median of $26,921 to complete the biology studies program here. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $30,775. That is a strong return on a $26,921 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 25 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.