Colleges with great biology programs?

Hi. I’m a rising senior and planning on majoring in biology. I was wondering what colleges offer great biology programs and what factors I should take into account when thinking to major biology.
p.s. I’m definitely not going for pre med and budget, size, location do not matter.

I also heard that quality of the labs or reputation for faculties aren’t very important at undergraduate level and the quality of the courses will be similar for colleges above top 50. Is this somewhat true?

Yes, it’s true. Most reputable schools will have good bio depts. Go somewhere that doesn’t involve going into debt, where you feel like the fit is good socially and academically for you. If you have any specific interests in bio, you can track down those schools that have special programs in that particular area. Otherwise, the field is wide open. Isn’t that nice?

Biology is a staple at most schools. If you go to any of the many research univs, there’s going to be research.

Your state flagship is likely one. What is your home state? What is your budget? What are your scores?