by our College Data Analytics Team
[Biology Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/biology-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 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.
Minot State University earned the #1 spot for value among biology education schools in North Dakota. Set in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Students borrow a median of $28,324 to complete the biology education program here. Early-career biology education graduates make about $44,973. That is a strong return on a $28,324 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.
Valley City State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology education, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Valley City, Valley City State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,580, while out-of-state students pay about $13,544. Biology Education graduates carry a median of $24,394 in student loans. Biology Education graduates of Valley City State University earn a median of $48,241 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
A rank of #3 makes Mayville State University one of the best values for biology education. Located in the rural area of Mayville, Mayville State University is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, compared with $11,237 for out-of-state students. Biology Education graduates carry a median of $27,464 in student loans. Soon after graduation, biology education degree recipients from Mayville State University generally make around $47,650. Set against $27,464 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Dickinson State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in biology education, landing the #4 spot this year. Dickinson State University is a small public school located in the town of Dickinson. Students from in state pay about $9,118 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,266 to complete the biology education program here. Soon after graduation, biology education degree recipients from Dickinson State University generally make around $51,049. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 37%.
Students looking for strong value in biology education will find it at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Fargo, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical student debt for biology education graduates is $25,485. Biology Education graduates of North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of $46,970 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,485 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
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University Of Mary earned the #6 position for value in biology education this year. Set in the rural area of Bismarck, University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,399 to complete the biology education program here. Biology Education graduates of University Of Mary earn a median of $43,299 early in their careers. Set against $27,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
