Best Biology Programs in Virginia (2026)
Biology programs in Virginia are often the gateway to medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and biomedical research. The schools below are ranked by Biology program strength, MCAT/GRE prep support, and net price.
#1
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$23,781/yr
Median Earnings
$94,810
Grad Rate
94%
Biology Share
10.0%
#2
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA
Net Price
$21,565/yr
Median Earnings
$86,863
Grad Rate
95%
Biology Share
5.7%
#3
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Net Price
$19,096/yr
Median Earnings
$73,490
Grad Rate
90%
Biology Share
14.6%
#4
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Net Price
$24,953/yr
Median Earnings
$81,698
Grad Rate
86%
Biology Share
8.5%
#5
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
Net Price
$31,309/yr
Median Earnings
$76,178
Grad Rate
86%
Biology Share
10.2%
#6
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$17,113/yr
Median Earnings
$77,369
Grad Rate
79%
Biology Share
7.7%
#7
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$23,322/yr
Median Earnings
$69,954
Grad Rate
80%
Biology Share
4.3%
#8
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA
Net Price
$23,015/yr
Median Earnings
$60,509
Grad Rate
73%
Biology Share
14.6%
#9
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Net Price
$17,915/yr
Median Earnings
$76,343
Grad Rate
69%
Biology Share
5.6%
#10
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA
Net Price
$27,866/yr
Median Earnings
$58,448
Grad Rate
72%
Biology Share
12.8%
#11
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
Net Price
$30,298/yr
Median Earnings
$58,433
Grad Rate
69%
Biology Share
15.3%
#12
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Net Price
$22,400/yr
Median Earnings
$67,640
Grad Rate
64%
Biology Share
9.7%
#13
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
Net Price
$20,667/yr
Median Earnings
$60,613
Grad Rate
67%
Biology Share
9.7%
#14
University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$22,235/yr
Median Earnings
$56,380
Grad Rate
60%
Biology Share
17.8%
#15
Roanoke College
Salem, VA
Net Price
$24,503/yr
Median Earnings
$58,047
Grad Rate
67%
Biology Share
8.9%
#16
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Net Price
$23,433/yr
Median Earnings
$58,128
Grad Rate
64%
Biology Share
7.9%
#17
Marymount University
Arlington, VA
Net Price
$29,137/yr
Median Earnings
$67,516
Grad Rate
56%
Biology Share
5.9%
#18
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
Net Price
$25,319/yr
Median Earnings
$59,159
Grad Rate
56%
Biology Share
9.7%
#19
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA
Net Price
$17,758/yr
Median Earnings
$51,943
Grad Rate
50%
Biology Share
18.4%
#20
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$15,921/yr
Median Earnings
$53,409
Grad Rate
49%
Biology Share
15.0%
#21
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
Net Price
$20,896/yr
Median Earnings
$40,075
Grad Rate
67%
Biology Share
11.7%
#22
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$24,588/yr
Median Earnings
$54,869
Grad Rate
57%
Biology Share
4.3%
#23
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
Net Price
$19,066/yr
Median Earnings
$52,347
Grad Rate
61%
Biology Share
2.5%
#24
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA
Net Price
$17,800/yr
Median Earnings
$53,453
Grad Rate
51%
Biology Share
7.2%
#25
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$29,357/yr
Median Earnings
$44,813
Grad Rate
64%
Biology Share
1.1%
Why a Biology degree?
Biology is the standard pre-med major. Research opportunities and pre-health advising at the undergraduate level meaningfully affect medical school admission rates.
Common career paths: Pre-Med (with med school) · Biomedical Researcher · Genetic Counselor · Pharmaceutical Scientist · Public Health Specialist
Typical starting salary range: $50,000–$85,000
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