by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general biology education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 26 schools to find the best return on investment for general biology students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general biology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Arizona Western College, our #1 best value for general biology in Arizona. Set in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Early-career general biology graduates make about $44,895.
Phoenix College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general biology schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $15,204. Early-career general biology graduates make about $51,053. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general biology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the general biology program here. General Biology graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Estrella Mountain Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general biology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. General Biology graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. General Biology graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in general biology will find it at Chandler Gilbert Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. General Biology graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology 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 landed the #6 spot for general biology value this year. Mesa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Mesa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. General Biology graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Paradise Valley Community College landed the #7 spot for general biology value this year. Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for general biology graduates is $14,204. General Biology graduates of Paradise Valley Community College earn a median of $71,136 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,204 median debt.
Arizona State University earned the #8 position for value in general biology this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. General Biology graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Early-career general biology 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 came in at #9 for value in general biology this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the general biology program here. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $38,014. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
University Of Arizona earned the #10 position for value in general biology this year. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. General Biology graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general biology degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $37,020. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Canyon University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general biology schools. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,921 to complete the general biology program here. Early-career general biology graduates make about $30,775. Set against $26,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 26 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.