by our College Data Analytics Team
[Biology Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/biology-education/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong biology education education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for biology education students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in biology education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Washburn University the best value for a degree in biology education in Kansas. Washburn University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Topeka. Students from in state pay about $9,945 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Typical student debt for biology education graduates is $21,175. Early-career biology education graduates make about $50,955. That is a strong return on a $21,175 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #2 place for biology education. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,145 to complete the biology education program here. Biology Education graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $47,121 early in their careers. Set against $22,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Emporia State University one of the best values for biology education. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical student debt for biology education graduates is $22,500. Biology Education graduates of Emporia State University earn a median of $52,694 early in their careers. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
Pittsburg State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Typical student debt for biology education graduates is $24,125. Biology Education graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $46,923 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Friends University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology education, landing the #5 spot this year. Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Wichita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,192. Typical student debt for biology education graduates is $29,721. Early-career biology education graduates make about $47,675. That is a strong return on a $29,721 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.
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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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.