Educads

771 Best Life Sciences Universities in the United States

Of the 771 Life Sciences universities in the United States, Harvard University ranks highest at #5 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13). The universities on this list offer 1,863 matching courses between them.

771 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
179Ranked
WK Western Kentucky University logo
#485 in United States United States
#485 in United States · by research impact
353,466 citations · h-index 213
191Ranked
AC Alamo Colleges logo
#520 in United States United States

Alamo Colleges

Public University · 1 course in Life Sciences

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#520 in United States · by research impact
283,084 citations · h-index 142

Related subjects

How these universities are ranked

58 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #5 (Harvard University) to #593 (University of Central Florida); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Harvard University is cited most (146,463,495 citations). 15 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

764 are public and 7 private (99% public). By location, Massachusetts (4), New York (4) and Connecticut (2) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Harvard University, founded in 1636. Ohio State University-Main Campus is the largest, with 45,638 students.

What the courses look like

By level: 1,397 bachelor's, 135 master's, 60 phd / doctorate and 34 diploma. Within the subject, the largest areas are Life Sciences (1,784), Biology (48), Biochemistry (16) and Ecology (5). The usual length is 4 years and 1–2 years. 99% are full-time and 16 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (96% of courses with a stated intake). Humboldt State University offers the widest choice, with 30 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 28 of these universities. University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at USD 5,274 a year and Yale University the most at USD 64,000; the middle of the range is about USD 21,833. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United States for Life Sciences?

Harvard University (QS World #5), Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Life Sciences in the United States?

Of those with published fees, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at about USD 5,274 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Life Sciences in the United States?

764 public and 7 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Life Sciences course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 1–2 years the next most common.

When do Life Sciences courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Can I study Life Sciences online with a university in the United States?

16 of these courses are listed as online.

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