Best biology colleges in Pennsylvania?

I'm considering staying closer to home for college, so I'm curious: What are the best colleges for biology in Pennsylvania? I want a program that has good research opportunities.

There are several reputable colleges in Pennsylvania known for their robust biology programs and extensive research opportunities:

1. University of Pennsylvania (Penn): Penn's Biology Department offers a strong undergraduate program with a flexible curriculum and a wealth of research opportunities. Penn is also home to the Perelman School of Medicine, which means potential collaboration with medical researchers.

2. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Penn State's Eberly College of Science features a robust Biology program, and the university prides itself on its undergraduate research opportunities across a variety of disciplines.

3. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): The Biological Sciences program at CMU is focused and flexible, allowing you to specialize in areas like molecular biology or ecology. There are also ample research opportunities.

4. Swarthmore College: Swarthmore offers a Biology program that is well-integrated into liberal arts learning. There are numerous research experiences available, including summer positions.

5. University of Pittsburgh (Pitt): With a strong focus on research, the Biological Sciences Department at Pitt provides ample opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research both in and outside of the classroom.

6. Haverford College: Haverford’s Biology department offers a balance of coursework and experiential learning experiences, encouraging students to conduct original research.

7. Lafayette College: Lafayette has a strong Biology program that offers hands-on laboratory experience and extensive research opportunities.

Always remember to evaluate whether a program aligns with your specific interests within biology, offers sufficient research opportunities, and matches your budget and cultural requirements.