Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,206
62nd percentile (60th in AZ)
Median Debt
$21,250
15% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.62
Manageable
Sample Size
836
Adequate data

Analysis

Arizona State University's Digital Immersion biology program delivers solid value with notably manageable debt levels. With a median debt of $21,250—well below the national average of $25,000 for biology programs—students graduate with relatively light financial burdens. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within about 15 months of their starting salary.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While the first-year median of $34,206 matches both Arizona's state median and ASU's campus-based program, the 35% earnings growth to $46,169 by year four is impressive for biology graduates. This performance puts the program in the 60th percentile among Arizona biology programs and 62nd percentile nationally—respectable positioning that suggests graduates are competitive in the job market.

For parents concerned about return on investment, this program offers a compelling package: below-average debt with above-average earnings potential. The digital format provides flexibility without sacrificing outcomes, as evidenced by earnings that match ASU's traditional campus program. While University of Arizona edges out slightly higher first-year earnings, ASU Digital's lower debt burden may ultimately provide better net value. This is a financially sensible choice for students interested in biology, particularly those who value flexibility and want to minimize educational debt.

Where Arizona State University Digital Immersion Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally

Arizona State University Digital ImmersionOther biology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Arizona State University Digital Immersion graduates compare to all programs nationally

Arizona State University Digital Immersion graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (10 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Arizona State University Digital Immersion$34,206$46,169$21,2500.62
University of Arizona$37,020$44,256$23,5000.63
Northern Arizona University$34,940$45,255$20,5000.59
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$34,206$46,169$21,2500.62
Grand Canyon University$30,775$43,156$26,9210.87
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Arizona

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Arizona
Tucson
$13,626$37,020$23,500
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff
$12,652$34,940$20,500
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe
$12,051$34,206$21,250
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix
$17,450$30,775$26,921

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Arizona State University Digital Immersion, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 836 graduates with reported earnings and 1009 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.