Biology at Aquinas College

Aquinas College's biology program shows respectable performance within Michigan, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—though you should note the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), which makes these figures less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. Graduates start at $31,787 and reach $37,395 by year four, a solid 18% increase that suggests graduates are finding their footing in the field. Compared to Michigan's median of $27,334, Aquinas grads earn about $4,400 more, though they're still trailing programs like Madonna University ($46,127) and Grand Valley State ($40,959) by significant margins.

The debt load of $24,500 is manageable—slightly below both state and national medians—and the 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's salary. For a biology degree, which often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or healthcare careers, this relatively light debt burden could be an advantage. However, those first-year earnings are modest for any household budget, and families should have realistic expectations about entry-level salaries.

The real question is where graduates go next. If your child plans to pursue medical school, research positions, or advanced degrees, Aquinas provides a foundation without crushing debt. For those planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation, understand that biology salaries start low, even with the upward trajectory shown here.