ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Biology Studies Schools in Virginia

26 Colleges in the United States
2,680 Biology Studies Degrees Awarded
$37,960 Avg Early-Career Salary

Biology Studies degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 39 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for biology studies students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/biology-studies/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 26.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Biotechnology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Biotechnology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

Best Schools for Biology Studies in Virginia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall biology studies education in Virginia.

Top Schools in Biology Studies

1

No school ranked higher than Washington And Lee University this year for biology studies. Located in the town of Lexington, Washington And Lee University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Washington And Lee University awarded about 13 biology studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $76,810 in their early career. Washington And Lee University graduates carry a median of $20,074 in student loans. See the full biology studies program report for Washington And Lee University

2
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in biology studies, ranking #2. Located in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 85% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 51 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Richmond in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $36,300 in their early career. University Of Richmond graduates carry a median of $20,064 in student loans. Read more about the biology studies program at University Of Richmond

3

Students looking for a strong biology studies program will find one at University Of Virginia Main Campus, which ranked #3. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. There were roughly 271 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Virginia Main Campus in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $23,395 in their early career. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read more about the biology studies program at University Of Virginia Main Campus

4

College Of William And Mary is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in biology studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 179 biology studies degrees were awarded at College Of William And Mary in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from College Of William And Mary generally make around $29,851. Typical student debt for the program is $16,681. See the full biology studies program report for College Of William And Mary

5

Students looking for a strong biology studies program will find one at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, which ranked #5. This very large public university is located in the city of Blacksburg. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 320 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $28,239. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. See the full biology studies program report for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

6

George Mason University earned the #6 position for biology studies this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Fairfax. George Mason University graduates 68% of students within six years. About 329 biology studies degrees were awarded at George Mason University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from George Mason University generally make around $35,983. Typical student debt for the program is $21,625. Read more about the biology studies program at George Mason University

7
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University placed #7 among the best biology studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Harrisonburg. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. James Madison University awarded about 185 biology studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $40,046 in their early career. James Madison University graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. See the full biology studies program report for James Madison University

8
University Of Mary Washington crest
University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best biology studies schools. Set in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 83 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Mary Washington in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $35,194 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,567 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in biology studies from University Of Mary Washington

9

Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #9 spot for biology studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Richmond. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 345 biology studies degrees were awarded at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Virginia Commonwealth University earn around $27,506 in the first couple years of their career. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $21,712 in student loans. Read more about the biology studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University

10
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

Shenandoah University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best biology studies schools. Set in the city of Winchester, Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 66% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 26 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Shenandoah University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Shenandoah University earn around $40,980 in the first couple years of their career. Shenandoah University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about the biology studies program at Shenandoah University

11

Christopher Newport University placed #11 among the best biology studies schools. Christopher Newport University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Newport News. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. There were roughly 129 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Christopher Newport University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Christopher Newport University generally make around $30,287. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the biology studies program at Christopher Newport University

12

Virginia Military Institute ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best biology studies schools. Virginia Military Institute is a small public school located in the town of Lexington. About 76% of students finish within six years. Virginia Military Institute awarded about 30 biology studies degrees in the most recent data year. Biology Studies graduates of Virginia Military Institute earn a median of $43,797 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,000. Get the full biology studies details for Virginia Military Institute

13

Northern Virginia Community College earned the #13 position for biology studies this year. Set in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public institution. About 92 biology studies degrees were awarded at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Northern Virginia Community College earn around $40,126 in the first couple years of their career. Northern Virginia Community College graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. Get the full biology studies details for Northern Virginia Community College

14
Roanoke College crest
Roanoke College
Salem, VA

Roanoke College placed #14 among the best biology studies schools. Located in the suburb of Salem, Roanoke College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. There were roughly 28 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Roanoke College in the most recent data year. Biology Studies graduates of Roanoke College earn a median of $37,458 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in biology studies from Roanoke College

15

Randolph Macon College landed the #15 spot for biology studies this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Ashland. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 42 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Randolph Macon College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the biology studies program make about $33,361 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,067. More information about a degree in biology studies from Randolph Macon College

16
Hampden Sydney College crest
Hampden Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA

Hampden Sydney College placed #16 among the best biology studies schools. Hampden Sydney College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Hampden-Sydney. Hampden Sydney College graduates 62% of students within six years. About 13 biology studies degrees were awarded at Hampden Sydney College in the most recent year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Hampden Sydney College earn around $41,876 in the first couple years of their career. Hampden Sydney College graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. More information about a degree in biology studies from Hampden Sydney College

17
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University came in at #17 for biology studies this year. Set in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. There were roughly 50 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Radford University in the most recent data year. Biology Studies graduates of Radford University earn a median of $32,457 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the biology studies program at Radford University

18

Old Dominion University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best biology studies schools. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Old Dominion University awarded about 196 biology studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Old Dominion University earn around $28,953 in the first couple years of their career. Old Dominion University graduates carry a median of $25,970 in student loans. See the full biology studies program report for Old Dominion University

19
Averett University crest
Averett University
Danville, VA

Averett University came in at #19 for biology studies this year. Located in the town of Danville, Averett University is a small private not-for-profit university. Averett University graduates 48% of students within six years. About 14 biology studies degrees were awarded at Averett University in the most recent year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Averett University earn around $53,876 in the first couple years of their career. Averett University graduates carry a median of $28,595 in student loans. See the full biology studies program report for Averett University

20
Sweet Briar College crest
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA

Sweet Briar College placed #20 among the best biology studies schools. Sweet Briar College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Sweet Briar. About 52% of students finish within six years. About 16 biology studies degrees were awarded at Sweet Briar College in the most recent year. More information about a degree in biology studies from Sweet Briar College

21
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA

Longwood University landed the #21 spot for biology studies this year. Set in the town of Farmville, Longwood University is a moderately-sized public institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 16 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Longwood University in the most recent data year. Biology Studies graduates of Longwood University earn a median of $33,686 early in their careers. Longwood University graduates carry a median of $26,946 in student loans. Read more about the biology studies program at Longwood University

22
Bridgewater College crest
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA

Bridgewater College came in at #22 for biology studies this year. Located in the suburb of Bridgewater, Bridgewater College is a small private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 53%. There were roughly 14 biology studies students who graduated with this degree at Bridgewater College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Bridgewater College generally make around $34,494. Bridgewater College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full biology studies details for Bridgewater College

23

Norfolk State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best biology studies schools. Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Norfolk. The six-year graduation rate is 39%. About 47 biology studies degrees were awarded at Norfolk State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. Read more about the biology studies program at Norfolk State University

24
Randolph College crest
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA

Randolph College earned the #24 position for biology studies this year. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Randolph College is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Randolph College awarded about 15 biology studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology studies degree recipients from Randolph College generally make around $43,197. Randolph College graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. More information about a degree in biology studies from Randolph College

25
Hollins University crest
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA

Hollins University placed #25 among the best biology studies schools. Located in the suburb of Roanoke, Hollins University is a small private not-for-profit university. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 17 biology studies degrees were awarded at Hollins University in the most recent year. Students who receive their biology studies degree from Hollins University earn around $27,721 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Read more about the biology studies program at Hollins University

Rest of the Top 31 Biology Studies Schools

These schools also placed among the best for biology studies this year:

26
Virginia Wesleyan College crest
Virginia Wesleyan College
Virginia Beach, VA
27
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA
28
Hampton University crest
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
29
30
31
Mary Baldwin College crest
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA

ADBLOCK #173
View All Biology Studies Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 39 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options