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2019 Best Colleges for Biology in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Biology ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top degree programs for biology majors including ecology, marine biology, microbiology, biotechnology, botany, and pre-medicine programs. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Harvard University

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 684 reviews
    #1 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: I just finished my first year at Harvard. I had a rocky transition at first, but I am really loving it! The professors and TFs I have had are all really friendly and accessible, and there is an endless list of classes that I want to take. Conversations with peers are really thought-provoking and deep. You can find so many great communities through different activities, and there are so many great people on campus. Even as a freshman, I have been offered so many unique opportunities that I know come from Harvard's resources. I never thought it could, but Harvard has really become my home this year.
    Read 684 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,030 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,147 reviews
    #2 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: Stanford is the greatest place on earth. I feel so at home here and love everything about the campus and life here. The weather is amazing (no snow! or freezing temperatures), people are happier than many other schools, and you have the freedom and flexibility to study anything and switch your major around.
    Read 1,147 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,562 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 959 reviews
    #3 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: I really like the online courses from Yale University, you can choose btw a lot of different subjects and get smarter.
    And the proffessors are amazing!
    This university changed me a lot. Not only do I feel like an expert in my area of study, but I have been taught to write and speak in a much more compelling way than ever before. The university is very conducive to fostering strong friendships among undergrads. I have close networks of friends that I could not have formed elsewhere
    Read 959 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,053 Net Price
    • 1460-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Cleveland State University

    • 4 Year
    • Cleveland, OH
    • 1,704 reviews

    Graduate Student: One of the best decisions I ever made in my life was to go to college and I am equally as happy that I went to Cleveland State. To me, this college helped to expand my mind and develop my viewpoints of not just education, but also how I saw the world around me and myself at the time. I had the opportunity to live on campus at the now gone (but never forgotten) Viking Hall, I remember when Main Classroom did not have the updated computer lab, and I remember spending my nights eating Rascal House pizza while studying through the noise of Peabody's nightclub. CSU will always have a place of positivity, growth and opportunity in my heart. Go Vikings!
    Read 1,704 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,320 Net Price
    • 990-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 972 reviews
    #4 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: Brown University has been an incredible experience and has allowed me to pursue passions that I wasn't even aware I was interested in! The unique open curriculum allows students to take courses from a broad range of subjects and helps to ensure they find the right area of study. I personally believed I wanted to go into biomedical engineering, however, after taking a variety of classes at Brown in environmental studies, I have switched my major. Every teacher, student, and dean is so incredibly passionate about the work and everyone is constantly striving to be better which makes the University an amazing place and experience!
    Read 972 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,651 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 609 reviews
    #5 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: MIT is an outstanding university with numerous and diverse opportunities in research and academics. Classes at MIT are indeed difficult, with homework and associated studying consuming a large chunk of time. The beauty of this is that it pushes students to go above and beyond their previous understanding of what they believed themselves to be capable of. Additionally, the explorative and creative atmosphere which springs from the vibrancy of the student body and the faculty is second to none. There are so many chances to do great things at MIT, even as an undergrad!
    Read 609 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,230 Net Price
    • 1490-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,056 reviews
    #6 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,056 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,408 reviews
    #7 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,408 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,217 reviews
    #8 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,217 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,254 reviews
    #9 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Graduate Student: I am a first year graduate student in their online Museum Studies program. So far, I love everything about Johns Hopkins University. My professors have been very attentive and answer all my questions quickly, the work is very relevant and there are so many resources to help me. JHU's admissions office and academic advisors have been in constant contact with me, making sure I was all set for the semester. My student alumni ambassador is a wonderful person who has been helping me with JHU on a personally experienced level as she has graduated from the same program. I am proud to be a part of the JHU community!
    Read 1,254 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,066 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 1,018 reviews
    #10 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: I love the community atmosphere. Everyone works together to expand on similar desires. Rice as a whole is a college that fuels specific passions! As a person living with a low-income, Rice is determined to help give me FULL FREE tuition to attend their campus because they see my potential. Rice is very specific in it's majors, and the one thing that may be open for improvement is the expansion of their courses to incorporate and be strong in all degree fields.
    Read 1,018 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,131 Net Price
    • 1490-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 416 reviews
    #11 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: Well study here, but there with this awesome New Jersey accent, I had no chance to be the best in linguist, but this center give me the best help speakwriteplay.com/
    Read 416 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,302 Net Price
    • 1430-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,180 reviews
    #12 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,180 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,165 reviews
    #13 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Graduate Student: I really feel included as a member of the Columbia family! There are numerous useful resources for you to explore, either student organizations to meet new people, on-campus job opportunities, concern for student safety, etc. I love the university on being clear of the steps of everything you are going to be involved, quick in response, and the people being friendly.
    Read 1,165 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,824 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,323 reviews
    #14 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: Northwestern is a well-balanced school--top notch academics, great arts programs, amazing engineering and science facilities, in a minor city (Evanston) and very close to a major one (Chicago), and even a bit of sports culture. NU students tend to be fun-loving, driven and ambitious, both in their academic and extra-curricular pursuits. It's definitely a work-hard-play-hard atmosphere when you're on campus, and while there is danger in this as you can easily over-extend yourself (and many students do at some point), it makes for a fulfilling four years.
    Read 1,323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,099 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,152 reviews
    #15 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: A great experience! Definitely rigorous and not for the faint of heart. Academically excellent, fantastic research opportunities, diverse, professors are amazing. I participate in varsity sports and it's a great community. The surrounding City is amazing...tons to do.
    Read 1,152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,834 Net Price
    • 1480-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,133 reviews
    #16 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: Georgetown University is an incredible university with top-notch professors and academic programs. Professors DO seem preoccupied with their research, but most genuinely care about students. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the university is connected to how pre-professional it is. This can translated to club culture. People are more focused on getting jobs after graduation than most other schools. This is connected to Georgetown's return on investment, however. Well worth coming!
    Read 1,133 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,420 Net Price
    • 1350-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,829 reviews
    #17 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: Prepare to work hard - especially if you're in STEM. As an engineering major my life here is a never ending cycle of attending classes, working in lab, engineering project team related work, doing homework and crashing/going to bed at 1-2AM. It may seem rough to the outsider but if you're coming from a challenging high school (as I did) its a relatively seamless transition and I am infinitely happier here at Cornell! There is constantly something new happening from the range of amazing speakers visiting, cool things your classmates are creating/doing, Ithaca's quirky charm, your eccentric professors , etc... I came here expecting the competition to be intense and thank goodness its not ; there's a sense of general comradery amongst engineers. The motto 'any person, any study' is really true. They have just about every major allowing allotting the opportunity to study a great variety of fields. Fair warning about Ithaca; it gets REALLY cold! Invest in a warm coat!
    Read 1,829 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,271 reviews
    #18 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,271 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,453 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,560 reviews
    #19 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,560 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 891 reviews
    #20 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at Tufts, I am constantly blown alway by endless opportunities available to undergraduate students at various academic departments, student-run organizations, and Tisch College of Civic Engagement. Students are here to learn from a wide range of perspectives and always listen carefully to one another to reexamine their thoughts. Even in today's political divisiveness, I find Tufts students relatively open-minded and tolerant to perspectives and thoughts that might be contrary to their own. Furthermore, as a student who plans on majoring in International Relations, I am always struck by how organized the program is here at Tufts. Professors and students are experts in their field, and I can easily see future diplomats and leading scholars in my classroom. There are conferences at the Fletcher school almost every week where leading scholars and researchers come and speak. I love Tufts!
    Read 891 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,449 Net Price
    • 1410-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 369 reviews
    #21 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 369 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,042 reviews
    #22 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,042 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 675 reviews
    #23 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: So glad I chose to come to Bowdoin! A very close community where people treat each other with kindness and are excited to learn from their peers. Quality of life is great, with great dorms, food and surrounding area. Classes are challenging but there is very little competitiveness and lots of support for students academically. For a small liberal arts school, there is a very healthy and fun social life.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 681 reviews
    #24 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Freshman: Dartmouth is simply wonderful. It has such a wonderfully cozy and collaborative atmosphere, which combined with the unparalleled focus on undergraduate students makes it the best college there is. The only thing people should be aware of is that there will be a large number of wealthy students, so be prepared to face some new socioeconomic diversity. Overall, it is such a safe and fun college set in a beautiful part of the country!
    Read 681 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,303 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 114 reviews
    #25 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: Caltech is a very work hard play hard mentality. Academically, it has the most rigorous and intense coursework I've ever experienced. Alumni agree that any job after graduation pales in comparison to the Caltech workload. The professors are amazingly competent, and it's treated as no big deal to take a course taught by a Nobel-prize winner. I would say the classes are very theoretical with an emphasis on proofs, so it's not very industry-oriented (unless you study computer programming). Socially, although there's no Greek life, all students are sorted into one of eight dorm houses, which are essentially fraternities. There are parties, you just need to know where to look for them. The food is terrible, eating out or cooking your own is both cheaper and tastier. The dorms are old, but no major issues. Caltech isn't perfect, but it'll challenge you academically and get you a good job after graduation.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,466 Net Price
    • 1530-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    University of Vermont

    • 4 Year
    • Burlington, VT
    • 1,669 reviews

    Niche User: Love it! Such a great campus with lots and lots of opportunities offered throughtout. Many chances to intern and get connected with the outside world. Great little safe city outside the college. Easy to contact teachers and lots of things to get yourself involved in on campus and off campus. Very pretty campus with average size dorms but very clean and organized rooms. You’ll always find somebody or something to love at the university of Vermont. They have a dairy bar where you can get all different flavors of ice cream at almost any time of the day right in the cafeteria. There is also easy access to skiing and snowboarding mountains which is an activity a lot of students choose to involve themselves in here at University of Vermont. Last but not least, there are thousands and thousands of clubs, sport teams and activities that every student is allowed to go into.
    Read 1,669 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,815 Net Price
    • 1180-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Ouachita Baptist University

    • 4 Year
    • Arkadelphia, AR
    • 426 reviews

    Freshman: Great school! The teachers have a special bond with each of their students and you make a lot of friends here on campus. Academics and student life here are great, the athletics are state-winning, and the campus is cozy and beautiful. Freshman dorms are a bit small but other than that it's a winner! Would definitely recommend!
    Read 426 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,934 Net Price
    • 1020-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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