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

2026 Best Value General Biology Schools in North Carolina

30 Colleges in the United States
$24,955 Avg Student Debt
$52,511 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Biology Badge [General Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 53 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general biology schools.

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/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 3
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: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

2026 Best Value General Biology Schools in North Carolina

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

Best Value General Biology Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill the best value for a degree in general biology in North Carolina. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,100 to complete the general biology program here. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $33,471. Set against $15,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Greensboro earned it the #2 place for general biology. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $26,914. Early-career general biology graduates make about $31,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3

Students looking for strong value in general biology will find it at Western Carolina University, which ranked #3. Western Carolina University is a large public school located in the town of Cullowhee. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. General Biology graduates carry a median of $26,037 in student loans. General Biology graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $28,381 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,037 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in general biology will find it at University Of North Carolina At Asheville, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Asheville, University Of North Carolina At Asheville is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,501, with out-of-state students paying around $24,849. General Biology graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. General Biology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Asheville earn a median of $27,943 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

5

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the general biology program here. Early-career general biology graduates make about $34,094. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

ADBLOCK #101
6

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earned the #6 position for value in general biology this year. Set in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. General Biology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $30,147. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

7

Fayetteville State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general biology schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,353, while out-of-state students pay about $8,353. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $25,000. Early-career general biology graduates make about $28,332. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

8

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #8 among the best values for general biology. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public school located in the city of Raleigh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. General Biology graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $36,157. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.

9

Elizabeth City State University landed the #9 spot for general biology value this year. Located in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the general biology program here. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from Elizabeth City State University generally make around $28,300. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

10

Appalachian State University earned the #10 position for value in general biology this year. Appalachian State University is a very large public school located in the town of Boone. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the general biology program here. Early-career general biology graduates make about $35,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11

North Carolina A And T State University earned the #11 position for value in general biology this year. North Carolina A And T State University is a large public school located in the city of Greensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. General Biology graduates carry a median of $28,358 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $36,950. That is a strong return on a $28,358 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

12
Davidson College crest
Davidson College
Davidson, NC

Davidson College earned the #12 position for value in general biology this year. Davidson College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Davidson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,430. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $19,000. Early-career general biology graduates make about $39,602. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 13%.

13

East Carolina University earned the #13 position for value in general biology this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $26,000. Early-career general biology graduates make about $38,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

14

Winston Salem State University came in at #14 for value in general biology this year. Winston Salem State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Winston-Salem. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,126, while out-of-state students pay about $16,782. Students borrow a median of $27,446 to complete the general biology program here. Early-career general biology graduates make about $30,719. Set against $27,446 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winston Salem State University admits about 78% of applicants.

15

North Carolina Central University landed the #15 spot for general biology value this year. Located in the city of Durham, North Carolina Central University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,699, with out-of-state students paying around $19,735. Students borrow a median of $30,420 to complete the general biology program here. General Biology graduates of North Carolina Central University earn a median of $30,423 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #145
16

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #16 for value in general biology this year. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,277 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $22,125. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Wilmington generally make around $32,925. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

17
Mount Olive College crest
Mount Olive College
Mount Olive, NC

Mount Olive College landed the #17 spot for general biology value this year. Located in the rural area of Mount Olive, Mount Olive College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,366. General Biology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $29,467. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Olive College admits about 76% of applicants.

18
Livingstone College crest
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC

Livingstone College landed the #18 spot for general biology value this year. Livingstone College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salisbury. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,296. Students borrow a median of $34,594 to complete the general biology program here. General Biology graduates of Livingstone College earn a median of $24,057 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $34,594 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.

19
Meredith College crest
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC

Meredith College came in at #19 for value in general biology this year. Located in the city of Raleigh, Meredith College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,630 in tuition and fees. General Biology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from Meredith College generally make around $43,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

20
Mars Hill College crest
Mars Hill College
Mars Hill, NC

Mars Hill College came in at #20 for value in general biology this year. Mars Hill College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Mars Hill. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,736. General Biology graduates carry a median of $26,040 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from Mars Hill College generally make around $29,455. Set against $26,040 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21
Wingate University crest
Wingate University
Wingate, NC

Wingate University earned the #21 position for value in general biology this year. Set in the suburb of Wingate, Wingate University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,576 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $27,000. General Biology graduates of Wingate University earn a median of $27,729 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

22

Johnson C Smith University landed the #22 spot for general biology value this year. Set in the city of Charlotte, Johnson C Smith University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,300. General Biology graduates carry a median of $28,123 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $28,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

23
Peace College crest
Peace College
Raleigh, NC

Peace College placed #23 among the best values for general biology. Set in the city of Raleigh, Peace College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,176. General Biology graduates carry a median of $28,500 in student loans. General Biology graduates of Peace College earn a median of $39,710 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

24

Lenoir Rhyne University came in at #24 for value in general biology this year. Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Hickory. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,900. General Biology graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $49,985. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

25

Belmont Abbey College earned the #25 position for value in general biology this year. Belmont Abbey College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Belmont. Students from in state pay about $19,500 in tuition and fees. General Biology graduates carry a median of $25,738 in student loans. Early-career general biology graduates make about $40,322. Set against $25,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 37 Best Value General Biology Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s general biology value ranking:

26
Barton College crest
Barton College
Wilson, NC
27
Campbell University crest
Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC
28
Gardner Webb University crest
Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
29
Lees Mcrae College crest
Lees Mcrae College
Banner Elk, NC
30
Methodist University crest
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
31
Montreat College crest
Montreat College
Montreat, NC
32
Louisburg College crest
Louisburg College
Louisburg, NC
33
34
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
35
Duke University crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
36
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC
37

ADBLOCK #173
View All General Biology Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 53 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 30 ranked schools only.

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