Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,206
62nd percentile
60th percentile in Arizona
Median Debt
$21,250
15% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Arizona State University Digital Immersion$34,206$46,169+35%
Arizona State University Campus Immersion$34,206$46,169+35%
Northern Arizona University$34,940$45,255+30%
University of Arizona$37,020$44,256+20%
Grand Canyon University$30,775$43,156+40%

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

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

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale$34,206$46,169$21,2500.62
University of ArizonaTucson$13,626$37,020$44,256$23,5000.63
Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff$12,652$34,940$45,255$20,5000.59
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe$12,051$34,206$46,169$21,2500.62
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix$17,450$30,775$43,156$26,9210.87
National Median$32,316$25,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

$67,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

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.