by our College Data Analytics Team
[Genetics](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/genetics/) 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 5 schools to find the best return on investment for genetics students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in genetics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Temple University the best value for a degree in genetics in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $26,259. Early-career genetics graduates make about $54,642. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the genetics program here. Genetics graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
Saint Josephs University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in genetics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Saint Josephs University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $26,426. Soon after graduation, genetics degree recipients from Saint Josephs University generally make around $65,421. Set against $26,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.
1
2
3
This list is compiled 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.