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2025 Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region

226 Colleges in the Southeast Region
27,563 Biology Degrees Awarded
$33,813 Avg Early-Career Salary
Ranked #5 in popularity, general biology is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

College Factual looked at 226 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 27,563 degrees in general biology to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great General Biology School

Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of general biology school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. We derive our Best Overall General Biology School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your General Biology Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Biology
Bachelor's Degrees in Biology
Master's Degrees in Biology
Doctor's Degrees in Biology

The biology school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for General Biology in the Southeast Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the biology degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Biology

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
571 Biology Degrees Awarded
$33,471 Median Starting Salary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in general biology. UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 571 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. After graduation, biology degree recipients generally make around $33,471 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
215 Biology Degrees Awarded
$30,447 Median Starting Salary

Duke University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in general biology. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 215 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the biology program earn around $30,447 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from Duke University

3
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
420 Biology Degrees Awarded
5.0% Growth in Graduates

North Carolina State University is a good decision for students interested in a degree in general biology. NC State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Raleigh. This university ranks 4th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 420 general biology students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Those general biology students who get their degree from North Carolina State University receive $2,344 more than the typical biology grad.

More information about a degree in general biology from North Carolina State University

4
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
278 Biology Degrees Awarded
$28,239 Median Starting Salary

Virginia Tech is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in general biology. Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 278 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program report average early career income of $28,239.

More information about a degree in general biology from Virginia Tech

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
403 Biology Degrees Awarded
24.3% Growth in Graduates

UofSC is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 403 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program state that they receive average early career wages of $28,072.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of South Carolina - Columbia

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
348 Biology Degrees Awarded
$23,395 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 348 general biology students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the biology program earn about $23,395 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Virginia - Main Campus

7
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
370 Biology Degrees Awarded
4.1% Growth in Graduates

Auburn is a very large public university located in the city of Auburn. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 370 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology degree recipients generally earn about $34,133 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from Auburn University

8
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
371 Biology Degrees Awarded
$42,482 Median Starting Salary

Clemson is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Clemson. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were roughly 371 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the general biology program at Clemson University earn $8,668 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in general biology from Clemson University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
452 Biology Degrees Awarded
$30,183 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 452 general biology students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year. After graduating, biology degree recipients generally earn an average of $30,183 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from Virginia Commonwealth University

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
422 Biology Degrees Awarded
$35,960 Median Starting Salary

GMU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 422 general biology students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the general biology major at George Mason University get $2,147 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in general biology from George Mason University

11
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
266 Biology Degrees Awarded
$35,621 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 266 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program state that they receive average early career income of $35,621.

More information about a degree in general biology from Emory University

12
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
152 Biology Degrees Awarded
$36,650 Median Starting Salary

Wake Forest University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Winston-Salem. A Best Colleges rank of #76 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Wake Forest University is a great university overall.

There were approximately 152 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the general biology major at Wake Forest University get $2,837 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in general biology from Wake Forest University

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
608 Biology Degrees Awarded
8.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 608 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program make an average of $27,638 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Georgia

14
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
390 Biology Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 390 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program earn about $26,240 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from Florida State University

15
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
595 Biology Degrees Awarded
5.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 595 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program report average early career earnings of $24,713.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Florida

16
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
11th Most Popular In TN
41 Biology Degrees Awarded

Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 41 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general biology from Vanderbilt University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 Biology Degrees Awarded
4.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Charlotte, UNC Charlotte is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 291 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, biology degree recipients generally make about $34,094 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,269 Biology Degrees Awarded
$27,034 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 1269 general biology students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program earn around $27,034 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of South Florida - Main Campus

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
211 Biology Degrees Awarded
$32,555 Median Starting Salary

UK is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Lexington. This university ranks 1st out of 39 schools for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were approximately 211 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program state that they receive average early career income of $32,555.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Kentucky

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In LA
61 Biology Degrees Awarded

Tulane is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #95 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were roughly 61 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in general biology from Tulane University of Louisiana

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
409 Biology Degrees Awarded
12.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Birmingham, UAB is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were about 409 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UAB in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program earn about $27,666 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Alabama at Birmingham

22
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
192 Biology Degrees Awarded
$34,159 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a very large public university located in the city of Harrisonburg. This university ranks 7th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 192 general biology students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, biology degree recipients generally earn an average of $34,159 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from James Madison University

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
224 Biology Degrees Awarded
$38,992 Median Starting Salary

ECU is a very large public university located in the small city of Greenville. This university ranks 7th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 224 general biology students who graduated with this degree at ECU in the most recent data year. General Biology degree recipients from East Carolina University earn a boost of about $5,179 over the typical income of general biology majors.

More information about a degree in general biology from East Carolina University

24
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
197 Biology Degrees Awarded
$28,061 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were about 197 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the biology program earn about $28,061 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Arkansas

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
872 Biology Degrees Awarded
$23,898 Median Starting Salary

UCF is a very large public university located in the suburb of Orlando. This university ranks 10th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 872 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, biology degree recipients generally make around $23,898 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Central Florida

Rest of the Top Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region

26
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
27
28
29
30
31
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
32

33

34
35
36
37
Mississippi State crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
38
39
URichmond crest
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
40
41

42

43
Radford crest
Radford University
Radford, VA
44
45

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best General Biology Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
46 Randolph - Macon College Ashland, VA
47 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
48 Elon University Elon, NC
49 Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA
50 Belmont University Nashville, TN
51 College of Charleston Charleston, SC
52 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
53 Roanoke College Salem, VA
54 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
55 Rhodes College Memphis, TN
56 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
57 Mississippi College Clinton, MS
58 Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR
59 Wofford College Spartanburg, SC
60 University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS
61 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
62 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
63 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
64 University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, VA
65 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
66 Hampden - Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, VA
67 University of West Georgia Carrollton, GA
68 East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN
69 Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
70 Sewanee - The University of the South Sewanee, TN
71 University of Memphis Memphis, TN
72 Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL
73 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NC
74 Centre College Danville, KY
75 Lipscomb University Nashville, TN

Best General Biology Colleges by State

Explore the best general biology colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 3,494
Florida 282 6,422
North Carolina 279 3,663
Virginia 274 3,356
Tennessee 269 1,542
South Carolina 248 1,775
Kentucky 244 1,140
Louisiana 242 1,529
Mississippi 234 1,380
Arkansas 234 891
Alabama 233 1,939
West Virginia 207 526

View All Rankings >

General Biology is one of 14 different types of Biological & Biomedical Sciences programs to choose from.

Biology Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Biology Studies 24,098
General Biomedical Sciences 3,465

View All Biology Focus Areas >

Majors Similar to Biology

Related Major Annual Graduates
Physiology & Pathology Sciences 2,621
Neurobiology & Neurosciences 2,194
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology 1,973
Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology 1,589
Biotechnology 1,515
Microbiological Sciences & Immunology 1,127
Biological & Biomedical Sciences (Other) 1,112
Biomathematics & Bioinformatics 581
Zoology 470
Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences 415

View All Biology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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