2026 Best Value Genetics Schools in the Southeast Region
[Genetics](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/genetics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 22 schools to find the best return on investment for genetics students.
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2026 Best Value Genetics Schools in the Southeast Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in genetics, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Genetics Schools
University Of Georgia earned the #1 spot for value among genetics schools in the Southeast Region. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete the genetics program here. Genetics graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $19,112 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned it the #2 place for genetics. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Genetics graduates carry a median of $22,968 in student loans. Genetics graduates of North Carolina State University At Raleigh earn a median of $59,622 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Alabama At Birmingham earned it the #3 place for genetics. Set in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete the genetics program here. Soon after graduation, genetics degree recipients from University Of Alabama At Birmingham generally make around $55,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in genetics will find it at Clemson University, which ranked #4. Clemson University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Clemson. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Genetics graduates carry a median of $22,225 in student loans. Genetics graduates of Clemson University earn a median of $31,346 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.
Auburn University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical student debt for genetics graduates is $22,803. Genetics graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $55,422 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.
Emory University came in at #6 for value in genetics this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Emory University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete the genetics program here. Genetics graduates of Emory University earn a median of $79,751 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,431 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%.
Duke University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Located in the city of Durham, Duke University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete the genetics program here. Genetics graduates of Duke University earn a median of $62,465 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,296 median debt. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
