Biology at Albion College

Albion College's Biology program shows dramatic earnings growth—from roughly $21,000 to $42,000 over four years—but that initial year is startlingly low. At the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile in Michigan, those first-year earnings trail both the national median ($32,316) and Michigan's state median ($27,334) by substantial margins. The $23,250 in debt is relatively modest, but when you're earning $20,713 right out of college, that 1.12 debt-to-earnings ratio means the debt burden feels heavier than the numbers suggest. For context, comparable Michigan schools like Hope College ($35,430) and Western Michigan ($35,955) deliver significantly stronger early outcomes.

The 104% earnings jump by year four is the program's saving grace—$42,324 puts graduates above both state and national medians eventually. But that likely reflects the career path many biology majors take: graduate or professional school. If your child isn't planning on medical school, veterinary school, or a graduate program, that first year of minimal earnings becomes a real financial hardship rather than a temporary stepping stone.

Important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. If graduate school is the plan, the real costs to consider are this initial debt plus whatever comes next. If your child wants to work immediately after their bachelor's, other Michigan programs offer better launching points.