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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
    • 655
    1 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: Harvard University offers the most incredible experience for its students. From the rich history to the esteemed faculty to the vibrant atmosphere of Harvard Square, it is truly one of a kind and inspiring. During my time at Harvard, I got to dance to Gangnam Style with Psy, read a Gutenberg Bible, study and work under my hero, perform fMRIs, and eat brunch in what is essentially the Great Hall of Hogwarts. I cannot begin to tell you the opportunities available here nor what you will learn from working and studying alongside people from all over the world. Harvard also tries to promote diversity further by offering a needs-blind application process and a financial aid package that guarantees you will not have to turn down your acceptance due to financial hardship! Harvard truly takes care of its students, giving them every opportunity imaginable and giving them an experience they will never forget.
    Read 655 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,205 Net Price
    • 1430-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Stanford University

    • 4 Year
    • Stanford, CA
    • 1,122
    2 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: The campus is beautiful to start and provides many beautiful areas for studying or hanging out with friends. The campus is full of amazing resources including the libraries and professors. The academics are definitely challenging, but worth it. Go Card!
    Read 1,122 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 5% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,695 Net Price
    • 1380-1580 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Yale University

    • 4 Year
    • New Haven, CT
    • 939
    3 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Works Here: Yale is a highly diverse university with exceptionally friendly and helpful faculty, staff, and students. The food is beyond exceptional, taking sustainability, food waste, health, and nutrition in mind when it comes to every dish. I'm always learning new things each time I step foot on campus. I can't say enough about this place!
    Read 939 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,319 Net Price
    • 1420-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  4. Sponsored

    Agnes Scott College

    • 4 Year
    • Decatur, GA
    • 620

    Freshman: This is a great school! The professors really do care about each individual student. Since class sizes are much smaller, professors are able to have a one on one experience with students and they are able to get better help. Everyone at the school is so friendly and welcoming and allows everyone to be themselves without being judged. We all work together to fight issues, whether they be on campus or out in the world. It is right next to downtown Decatur, which is a great place for college students to hang out or to study. There are very few parties on campus so you have to go off campus to get to any, but this is helpful for anyone who is not looking for the party scene.
    Read 620 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,315 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Brown University

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 946
    4 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: Brown University is an amazing place to go for undergrad. There's simply nowhere else that I'd rather spend four years learning and growing as a person. The open curriculum allows for lots of exploration and risk-taking in the classroom, and this culture bleeds into student life as well. The environment here is very relaxed and collaborative, and the students here are kind, accepting, and fun. And coming from a SoCal kid, the weather isn't even that bad! I've only been at Brown for one year, but I'm so glad I made the choice to come here when I was deciding between colleges last April.
    Read 946 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,264 Net Price
    • 1370-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Cambridge, MA
    • 597
    5 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: There were some crucial facts about MIT which made me to apply to it. Here are they:
    1. My first choice is chemical engineering and I always adored to conduct researches in laboratories. Therefore, when I applied to colleges first of all I looked if they have a good undergraduate research opportunities. In MIT with the help UROP I could start researching even from freshman class.
    2. Its pass no record style of educating freshmen. There is no grading in the first semester. Instead, one gets "Pass" or "Fail" in his or her transcript. It allows students not to stress too much on grades, but explore the university and majors.
    3. Of course it is the best university in the field of chemical engineering. Top notch professors, smart peers and the best laboratories makes MIT unique.
    4. It's financially available for all international students. MIT's need blind policy makes it affordable for all who want to attend it.

    I hope it helps!
    Read 597 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,576 Net Price
    • 1460-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,040
    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 1,040 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,373
    7 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
    Read 1,373 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,188
    8 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Graduate Student: I am admitted to the school of nursing in preparation mode for classes to begin. The organization of the program is excellent with details, ease of navigation, accessible to staff and professiors, and the provide so many resources for your success! They have thought of everything, so I can prepare to the fullest and once on campus, I will be able to focus on learning and achieving my degree.
    Read 1,188 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,150 Net Price
    • 1420-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Johns Hopkins University

    • 4 Year
    • Baltimore, MD
    • 1,226
    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 1,226 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,352 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Rice University

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 992
    10 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: Rice is incredible. The people are so friendly and collaborative, and the residential college system gives you an automatic support system and built-in friends/family. While people are smart, the atmosphere is close-knit and not cutthroat, which I've come to realize is hugely important when I hear my friends at other top universities talk about the pressure and competition they suffer through. The academics aren't easy- especially the STEM programs, which are structured to be some of the most rigorous in the country, but that's why we have such a good reputation and ease with post-graduation placements. Compared to other colleges, there's a lot of freedom with social life/partying and distribution requirements. Overall, the campus is beautiful and quality of life (dorms/food/area) very high. I love Rice and wouldn't go anywhere else!
    Read 992 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,061 Net Price
    • 1410-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Princeton University

    • 4 Year
    • Princeton, NJ
    • 400
    11 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: Classes at Princeton are superb in all regards. Faculty to student ratios are very low, so students can receive a significant amount of attention from world-class professors and extremely helpful teacher assistants. The amount of resources dedicated to each student is unmatched. The alumni system is very structured, ensuring a connected student body with those in industry or academia. The campus is beautiful, showing off a gothic architecture juxtaposed with modern designs. The local area is a safe, cozy college town. The university is within an hour of New York and Philadelphia by train, but there are countless activities, clubs, and organizations to stay busy on campus. The food is relatively good and healthy. Some of the dorm conditions could be improved, but regardless the university does provide adequate housing and space for all students.
    Read 400 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,732 Net Price
    • 1400-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,152
    12 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: The University of Pennsylvania has been my top choice school, and I am very satisfied with my experience so far. I am most impressed by the stylistically varied yet unified campus architecture, the quality of professors and extracurricular activities, and the times I spent at Locust Walk.
    Few reviews of Penn can be written without mentioning Locust Walk. It serves as the central walkway for several dorms, dining options, and significant locations. At the same time, it is a hub for students of all majors and interests and a vibrant representation of Penn's life and culture. The Walk continues to be a wonderful addition to my college experience.
    At the same time, I appreciate Penn's dedication to development. Every year, new constructions, programs, and extracurricular opportunities arise, and I enjoy being part of such a community. I would recommend Penn to anyone who loves challenges, immersive experiences, and diverse social connections.
    Read 1,152 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,944 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Columbia University

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,127
    13 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    Read 1,127 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 7% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,973 Net Price
    • 1410-1590 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Northwestern University

    • 4 Year
    • Evanston, IL
    • 1,291
    14 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: I attended Northwestern because of the music program and the professor I would be working with. My professor was amazing, and so was the music program as a whole. I was able to pursue a double major with an outside field, and while it was difficult and busy, the administration helped me every quarter by allowing me to take extra classes to finish on time. The campus is beautiful, but there is always construction. It is not a huge party school, but there are parties and lots of other ways to have fun. I loved the proximity to Chicago and the public transit system. Overall, I liked the student body. There was a general hard work ethic, and though my majors weren't particularly competitive, I know there were some that were fairly cut-throat. The mental health services can be improved upon, but I felt that NU was a very accepting, diverse, and progressive school overall. Financial aid was great, and getting better!
    Read 1,291 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,326 Net Price
    • 1400-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Chicago

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 1,130
    15 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: It's nice to see that the University has increased campus diversity of financial aid resources for families that will make the campus more diverse in terms of student backgrounds. I enjoyed my time in college housing a lot! Get involved with your house - go on house trips, play intramural sports, take on a leadership position. If you need something - speak up and ask for it! You really can have a say in your university. Don't be shy to speak up and ask questions. The University can only continue to improve with that kind of input.
    Read 1,130 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,068 Net Price
    • 1450-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Georgetown University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 1,103
    16 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Junior: My experience as an undergraduate at Georgetown University has been amazing! I love the university's commitment to investing in each individual student and enriching their academic experience. Georgetown is also intentional about increasing the diversity of the student body and faculty. There is a club or organization for everyone on campus.
    Read 1,103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,625 Net Price
    • 1320-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,788
    17 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Sophomore: I love the environment and community, and the hidden cafes and delis are a delight to find and sample. The slope, rivers, gorges, lakes, waterfalls, and trails are soothing when the semester gets hectic, and there's no shortage of available activities, clubs, events, and things to do on campus! The winter is harsh but its gorgeous to see, and the overall environment is very friendly.
    Read 1,788 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,253
    18 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,253 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,473
    19 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Senior: I LOVE this school. The professors are amazing and are always willing to meet with their students to give them additional help. There are tons of club activities and extracurricular activities to join. There is something here for everyone. Additionally, the staff is so nice and helpful! The health center is amazing and the food options in the area are great! It isn't in the nicest area, but the school does a great job of keeping their students safe.
    Read 3,473 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Tufts University

    • 4 Year
    • Medford, MA
    • 880
    20 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: I'm a current Tufts 1+4 Fellow. I took a bridge year to learn Spanish, experience a different country and culture, and give back to the international community. After graduating high school and before beginning university I spent a year in Cuenca, Ecuador. I lived with a wonderful host family and volunteered with two different local organizations, a government branch and a tech startup. The 1+4 Program is unique because Tufts covers all costs for students on financial aid. Thank you Tufts!
    Read 880 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,076 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 360
    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 360 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,140 Net Price
    • 1340-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,950
    22 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
    Read 3,950 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 659
    23 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Niche User: I love the fact that Bowdoin is a small, liberal arts college. I am someone who thrives in close teacher-student relationships, and Bowdoin provides me with such an opportunity. Further, the College's emphasizes on career development is really important. For instance, Bowdoin displays fashion shows among students and faculty to learn "what to wear and what not to wear for an interview." Further, even though Bowdoin does not have a Journalism program, they do have an English major, and also the opportunity to create one's own program/major.
    Read 659 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,888 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Dartmouth College

    • 4 Year
    • Hanover, NH
    • 675
    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 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,177 Net Price
    • 1350-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. California Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 107
    25 Best Colleges for Biology in America

    Alum: If you like science and tech, this is the place to go. Small school makes professors, research, work study, and other opportunities more available. You learn to work with others to get through the academics which are tough, but you ultimately come out with a great sense of accomplishment. It is not the right school for everyone but if you want to major in science or engineering, it would be hard to find a better place.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,839 Net Price
    • 1510-1600 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  35. Sponsored

    Augustana University

    • 4 Year
    • Sioux Falls, SD
    • 393

    Sophomore: My experience at Augustana University has been everything I imagined and more. From the beginning of my relationship with AU, I have felt special and valued. The Admissions Department is superb - campus visits run smoothly, student ambassadors are friendly and helpful, Admissions Counselors are great and ready to answer any and every question. Campus life is great - first year residences are not too different from any other university BUT the free laundry is a major bonus! Also, free mini fridge/microwave units are available in every room. Printing services are more than adequate - 500 free pages per year (I only used about 200 this year!). Dining services are adequate and they're always looking to improve. Professors are superb - open door policy makes visiting offices much more inviting and professors are so accessible. Classes are informative, relevant, and challenging. Professors will work with you in any way to help you understand information and better yourself as a student.
    Read 393 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,974 Net Price
    • 930-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Saint Michael's College

    • 4 Year
    • Colchester, VT
    • 499

    Sophomore: Everybody here is really passionate about what they do. Students and professors. That liberal arts mentality of leaning for its own sake and valuing the humanities is strong here. I wish there was a film studies program so I could double major, but my experience with the English program has been excellent. If you want to study what you love, this is a great environment for that. Academics are challenging and immersive once you get past the introductory classes, and 100 level courses are always really interesting without being overwhelming.

    In terms of student life, the area is excellent. Burlington, Essex, Winooski, and Shelburne have a lot to do. People here are really active and you should have no problem finding people to hike, ski, or otherwise head off-campus with on the weekends.
    Read 499 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,264 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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