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2025 Best General Biology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

134 Colleges in the Great Lakes Region
12,640 Biology Degrees Awarded
$33,813 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in general biology, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #5 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 134 schools in the Great Lakes Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of general biology. Combined, these schools handed out 12,640 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 Great Lakes Region Your choice of general biology school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall General Biology School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

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

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best General Biology Schools in the Great Lakes Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for General Biology in the Great Lakes Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the biology degree levels they offer. 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 Great Lakes Region Schools in Biology

1
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
540 Biology Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

Michigan State University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in general biology. Located in the small city of East Lansing, Michigan State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 540 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program earn an average of $26,435 for their early career.

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

2
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
519 Biology Degrees Awarded
5.4% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in general biology needs to take a look at University of Wisconsin - Madison. Located in the large city of Madison, UW - Madison is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 519 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. After graduating, biology degree recipients usually earn an average of $35,798 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Wisconsin - Madison

3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
458 Biology Degrees Awarded
$32,356 Median Starting Salary

Ohio State University - Main Campus is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in general biology. Ohio State is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 458 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the biology program make around $32,356 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in general biology from Ohio State University - Main Campus

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
149 Biology Degrees Awarded
10.1% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in general biology has to look into University of Chicago. Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 149 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program earn about $35,275 in the first couple years of working.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
169 Biology Degrees Awarded
24.9% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 169 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the general biology program at Northwestern University earn $53,133 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in general biology from Northwestern University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
273 Biology Degrees Awarded
8.1% Growth in Graduates

Purdue is a fairly large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. A Best Colleges rank of #65 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Purdue is a great university overall.

There were approximately 273 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the general biology program at Purdue University - Main Campus get $6,332 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
278 Biology Degrees Awarded
7.2% Growth in Graduates

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This university ranks 6th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 278 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the biology program make an average of $34,092 for their early career.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
438 Biology Degrees Awarded
$28,768 Median Starting Salary

UIC is a very large public university located in the city of Chicago. This university ranks 10th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 438 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the biology program earn an average of $28,768 for their early career.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Illinois at Chicago

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
40th Most Popular In IL

Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 10 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

10
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
270 Biology Degrees Awarded
9.3% Growth in Graduates

U-M is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were about 270 general biology students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program report average early career wages of $26,888.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
226 Biology Degrees Awarded
$36,500 Median Starting Salary

IU Bloomington is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Bloomington. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were roughly 226 general biology students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the general biology program at Indiana University - Bloomington get $2,687 more than the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in general biology from Indiana University - Bloomington

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
372 Biology Degrees Awarded
$30,189 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #100 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Loyola Chicago is a great university overall.

There were about 372 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Chicago 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 $30,189.

More information about a degree in general biology from Loyola University Chicago

13
Marquette crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
255 Biology Degrees Awarded
5.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #114 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.

There were approximately 255 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the biology program state that they receive average early career income of $28,555.

More information about a degree in general biology from Marquette University

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
352 Biology Degrees Awarded
$40,959 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Allendale, GVSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 56 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 352 general biology students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent data year. Those general biology students who get their degree from Grand Valley State University receive $7,146 more than the average biology student.

More information about a degree in general biology from Grand Valley State University

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
266 Biology Degrees Awarded
0.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of La Crosse, UW - La Crosse is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 266 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UW - La Crosse in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the general biology degree program at University of Wisconsin - La Crosse earn $3,010 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
311 Biology Degrees Awarded
$45,463 Median Starting Salary

Miami University - Oxford is a fairly large public university located in the fringe town of Oxford. This university ranks 5th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 311 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year. General Biology degree recipients from Miami University - Oxford earn a boost of approximately $11,650 above the average income of general biology graduates.

More information about a degree in general biology from Miami University - Oxford

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
113 Biology Degrees Awarded
28.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #29 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Notre Dame is a great university overall.

There were approximately 113 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, biology degree recipients generally make an average of $32,876 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in general biology from University of Notre Dame

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
128 Biology Degrees Awarded
$36,337 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were roughly 128 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State in the most recent data year. General Biology degree recipients from Illinois State University receive an earnings boost of around $2,524 over the average income of general biology majors.

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

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
165 Biology Degrees Awarded
6.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Kalamazoo, WMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 165 general biology students who graduated with this degree at WMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the general biology major at Western Michigan University earn $2,142 more than the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in general biology from Western Michigan University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Biology Degrees Awarded
11.5% Growth in Graduates

Case Western is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cleveland. This university ranks 3rd out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 130 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Case Western in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, biology degree recipients generally make around $26,254 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in general biology from Case Western Reserve University

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Biology Degrees Awarded
$30,118 Median Starting Salary

Kent State is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Kent. This university ranks 9th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were approximately 145 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, biology degree recipients generally make around $30,118 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in general biology from Kent State University at Kent

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
209 Biology Degrees Awarded
7.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Indianapolis, IUPUI is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 209 general biology students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent data year. Those general biology students who get their degree from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis make $2,386 more than the average biology grad.

More information about a degree in general biology from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
67 Biology Degrees Awarded
$26,431 Median Starting Salary

UDayton is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Dayton. This university ranks 8th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 67 general biology students who graduated with this degree at UDayton in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the biology program earn around $26,431 in their early career salary.

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

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Biology Degrees Awarded
10.2% Growth in Graduates

Ball State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Muncie. This university ranks 5th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 157 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Ball State 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 $34,248.

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

25
Augustana crest
Augustana College
Rock Island, IL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 Biology Degrees Awarded
$32,844 Median Starting Salary

Augustana is a small private not-for-profit college located in the small city of Rock Island. This college ranks 21st out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 78 general biology students who graduated with this degree at Augustana 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 wages of $32,844.

More information about a degree in general biology from Augustana College

Rest of the Top Best General Biology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

26

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 Great Lakes Region award.

Rank College Location
27 University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WI
28 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
29 University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI
30 University of Toledo Toledo, OH
31 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
32 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL
33 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
34 University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WI
35 University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH
36 University of Wisconsin - Platteville Platteville, WI
37 Denison University Granville, OH
38 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
39 Bradley University Peoria, IL
40 Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, IN
41 Oberlin College Oberlin, OH
42 University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI
43 University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI
44 Carroll University Waukesha, WI

Best General Biology Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Michigan 322 2,790
Ohio 314 3,097
Illinois 304 2,864
Indiana 294 1,760
Wisconsin 273 1,970

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 11,323
General Biomedical Sciences 1,317

View All Biology Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Neurobiology & Neurosciences 2,703
Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology 2,345
Physiology & Pathology Sciences 1,182
Zoology 808
Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Biology 765
Cell Biology & Anatomical Sciences 707
Biological & Biomedical Sciences (Other) 622
Microbiological Sciences & Immunology 537
Genetics 494
Biomathematics & Bioinformatics 318

View All Biology Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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