by our College Data Analytics Team
[Genetics](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/genetics/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for genetics students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the genetics degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Iowa State University, our #1 best value for genetics in Iowa. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $21,631 to complete the genetics program here. Early-career genetics graduates make about $33,330. That is a strong return on a $21,631 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Iowa came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value genetics schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Genetics graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Genetics graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $57,375 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.