Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Michigan
- 29
- Schools
- $55,864
- Avg. Earnings
- 60%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,217
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,957
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $32,538 at the low end to $83,648 at the top. That 2.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Michigan-Flint offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $53,230 against $7,007 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Mott Community College, at $5,687 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates 93% of its students, well above the 60% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: graduates owe only 0.23× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Kalamazoo College ($65,590 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ($83,648). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Mott Community College ($5,687/yr) and Concordia University Ann Arbor ($32,811/yr) produce graduates earning $32,538 and $56,075 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $27,124 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Michigan-Flint outperforms University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Michigan-Flint and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $56K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kalamazoo College #1 overall | $65,590 ▲ +17% vs avg | $19,072 | 79% | 83 |
| 2 University of Detroit Mercy #2 overall | $71,030 ▲ +27% vs avg | $15,232 | 68% | 81 |
| 3 Michigan State University #3 overall | $67,253 ▲ +20% vs avg | $19,680 | 81% | 78 |
| $58,799 ▲ +5% vs avg | $14,301 | 59% | 74 | |
| $54,735 ▼ -2% vs avg | $8,624 | 47% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Michigan
This analysis ranks 29 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $55,864 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 60% and an average net price of $16,217.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Michigan-Flint — Net Price: $7,007 | Graduation Rate: 42%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — 93% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Median alumni earnings: $83,648
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Michigan Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Michigan?
$55,123
Median earnings (10yr)
59%
Median graduation rate
$15,340
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Michigan serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 29 schools. Graduates earn a median of $55,123 ten years after enrollment, or about $7,123 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 59%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $15,340 a year with about $24,750 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 30% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
For Michigan, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $15,340 and graduates earning a median of $55,123, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Kalamazoo College lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $65,590 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,072 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Detroit Mercy lands at #2 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $71,030 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,232 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Michigan State University lands at #3 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $67,253 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,680 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Albion College lands at #4 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,799 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,301 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Ferris State University lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $54,735 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,624 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Calvin University lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $58,375 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,992 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Grand Valley State University lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,118 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,317 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Andrews University lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $53,187 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,547 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $83,648 a decade after enrolling, 50% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,138 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Oakland University lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $58,612 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,120 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Hope College lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $58,427 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,182 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Lake Superior State University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,045 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,822 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Central Michigan University lands at #13 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $55,874 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,597 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Western Michigan University lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $53,562 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,273 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Eastern Michigan University lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $51,793 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,407 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Northern Michigan University lands at #16 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $47,107 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,085 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Aquinas College lands at #17 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $49,584 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,626 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
University Center, MI · 72% accepted · $10,775 net
Why it ranks #18
Saginaw Valley State University lands at #18 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,955 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,775 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Madonna University lands at #19 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $59,058 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,755 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Alma College lands at #20 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,742 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,694 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Cornerstone University lands at #21 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $47,314 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,301 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Wayne State University lands at #22 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (72/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $53,493 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,766 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Michigan-Dearborn lands at #23 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (63/100). Graduates earn a median $59,649 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,492 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Adrian College lands at #24 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $55,504 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,368 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
The University of Olivet lands at #25 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $47,907 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,393 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of Michigan-Flint lands at #26 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $53,230 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,007 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Mott Community College lands at #27 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (38/100). Graduates earn a median $32,538 a decade after enrolling, 42% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,687 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Concordia University Ann Arbor lands at #28 with a 53/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $56,075 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,811 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Hillsdale College lands at #29 with a 51/100 composite, led by value per dollar (100/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 28 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for a biology program is a significant decision for many students and families. With 28 institutions in Michigan offering diverse pathways in this field, it's crucial to understand how each school measures up. Graduates from these programs can expect varying degrees of success, with average earnings reported at $57,661.
The strongest schools in this ranking are distinguished by tangible outcomes: earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt levels, and overall program concentration. As you explore the list below, keep an eye on these key metrics, especially the balance between net price and post-graduate earnings. This will help you gauge which programs might set you on a promising career path.
For example, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor stands out with impressive earnings of $83,648 and a graduation rate of 93%. In contrast, the University of Michigan-Dearborn shows earnings of $59,649, with a lower graduation rate of 57%. This illustrates a clear tradeoff: while the former may come with a higher price tag, the return on investment appears significantly greater in the long run.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 23 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.2%. Wayne State University leads the group at 2.4%, with Andrews University (2.4%) and University of Detroit Mercy (1.9%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6% of students start in the bottom income quintile. The University of Olivet leads at 12.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 22.2% across this list. Kalamazoo College posts the highest success rate at 40.6%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.56 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Calvin University reaches 1.79, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When examining the data, a notable pattern emerges between the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of Detroit Mercy. The former not only boasts a higher average earning potential at $83,648 but also achieves a graduation rate of 93%. In contrast, Detroit Mercy's graduation rate of 68% paired with earnings of $71,030 suggests that while it still offers solid outcomes, it may not provide the same level of assurance as its counterpart.
Now that you've reviewed the rankings, consider how these numbers align with your priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the financial investment, the specific biology program, or the campus environment? Weigh your options carefully, taking into account your personal and financial circumstances. A school that fits your academic goals and budget can significantly shape your experience.
In the broader context, these outcomes reflect the importance of choosing a college wisely. For many families, investing in a biology degree is a gateway to stable employment and a fulfilling career. Every decision, from the school selection to the financial choices made along the way, can significantly impact one's future. Take the time to understand these implications as you move forward in your college journey.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Michigan: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Michigan ranking? +
Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Michigan ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $65,590 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 79% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor posts the highest median earnings on this list: $83,648 ten years after enrollment, well above the $55,864 average across the 28 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Michigan-Flint leads: graduates earn a median $53,230 against net price of about $7,007 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 93%, compared with a 60% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,217 a year across the 28 ranked schools with cost data. Mott Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,687. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Michigan ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 29 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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