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.
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#1
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$25,279/yr
Median Earnings
$102,966
Grad Rate
95%
Biology Share
12.1%
#2
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA
Net Price
$18,056/yr
Median Earnings
$96,468
Grad Rate
95%
Biology Share
5.2%
#3
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
Net Price
$34,256/yr
Median Earnings
$92,362
Grad Rate
86%
Biology Share
9.5%
#4
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Net Price
$18,880/yr
Median Earnings
$83,488
Grad Rate
89%
Biology Share
11.7%
#5
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
Net Price
$25,808/yr
Median Earnings
$88,716
Grad Rate
86%
Biology Share
7.4%
#6
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA
Net Price
$15,585/yr
Median Earnings
$85,178
Grad Rate
74%
Biology Share
8.5%
#7
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$23,550/yr
Median Earnings
$75,482
Grad Rate
80%
Biology Share
4.4%
#8
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA
Net Price
$22,310/yr
Median Earnings
$65,183
Grad Rate
73%
Biology Share
15.3%
#9
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
Net Price
$14,697/yr
Median Earnings
$79,923
Grad Rate
67%
Biology Share
5.3%
#10
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA
Net Price
$28,145/yr
Median Earnings
$64,714
Grad Rate
72%
Biology Share
12.8%
#11
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney, VA
Net Price
$26,626/yr
Median Earnings
$76,989
Grad Rate
62%
Biology Share
7.0%
#12
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
Net Price
$31,149/yr
Median Earnings
$66,382
Grad Rate
65%
Biology Share
12.5%
#13
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
Net Price
$23,821/yr
Median Earnings
$66,028
Grad Rate
65%
Biology Share
8.2%
#14
University of Lynchburg
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$27,198/yr
Median Earnings
$57,425
Grad Rate
58%
Biology Share
19.1%
#15
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Net Price
$25,037/yr
Median Earnings
$64,442
Grad Rate
64%
Biology Share
7.6%
#16
Marymount University
Arlington, VA
Net Price
$28,521/yr
Median Earnings
$74,032
Grad Rate
54%
Biology Share
7.8%
#17
Roanoke College
Salem, VA
Net Price
$25,867/yr
Median Earnings
$64,329
Grad Rate
66%
Biology Share
5.5%
#18
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
Net Price
$25,683/yr
Median Earnings
$63,602
Grad Rate
61%
Biology Share
8.7%
#19
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA
Net Price
$24,731/yr
Median Earnings
$58,912
Grad Rate
64%
Biology Share
9.8%
#20
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar, VA
Net Price
$21,856/yr
Median Earnings
$54,986
Grad Rate
54%
Biology Share
18.6%
#21
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA
Net Price
$20,875/yr
Median Earnings
$48,102
Grad Rate
67%
Biology Share
13.3%
#22
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA
Net Price
$21,083/yr
Median Earnings
$58,669
Grad Rate
53%
Biology Share
9.8%
#23
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
Net Price
$20,773/yr
Median Earnings
$55,653
Grad Rate
62%
Biology Share
4.7%
#24
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA
Net Price
$22,101/yr
Median Earnings
$53,121
Grad Rate
50%
Biology Share
14.6%
#25
Southern Virginia University
Buena Vista, VA
Net Price
$23,913/yr
Median Earnings
$53,570
Grad Rate
37%
Biology Share
18.9%
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
Find your best fit, not just the highest rank
Our 2-minute quiz weights cost, earnings, graduation rate, and other priorities to your family — and matches you to schools that actually fit, not just the top of a list.
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