Analysis
Augsburg's biology program generates solid early-career outcomes, though the small sample size here means you should treat these numbers as a directional signal rather than gospel truth. The $35,984 first-year earnings place graduates at the state median but well above the national average—beating 74% of biology programs nationwide. However, among Minnesota's biology programs, this lands squarely in the middle tier, trailing stronger in-state options like Saint Cloud State ($44,166) and Metropolitan State ($42,128) by meaningful margins.
The financial picture looks manageable: $27,000 in debt represents below-average borrowing for biology majors, and the 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can handle their payments without financial strain. The 30% earnings growth to $46,760 by year four shows graduates are gaining traction in their careers, whether through graduate school prerequisites, research positions, or clinical work.
Given that 52% of Augsburg students receive Pell grants, this program appears to serve its access mission reasonably well. If your child is choosing between Minnesota biology programs purely on economic grounds, stronger alternatives exist. But if Augsburg's location in Minneapolis or its smaller, supportive environment matters for fit—especially for a first-generation college student—the outcomes here won't derail their financial future. Just remember these numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, so individual results could vary considerably.
Where Augsburg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Augsburg University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augsburg University | $35,984 | $46,760 | +30% |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | $28,195 | $72,626 | +158% |
| Winona State University | $38,666 | $60,023 | +55% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $36,136 | $59,939 | +66% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $44,166 | $57,880 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,942 | $35,984 | $46,760 | $27,000 | 0.75 | |
| $10,117 | $44,166 | $57,880 | $24,450 | 0.55 | |
| $9,780 | $42,128 | $50,242 | $28,619 | 0.68 | |
| $49,758 | $40,937 | — | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $14,288 | $40,415 | $43,278 | $18,500 | 0.46 | |
| $10,498 | $38,666 | $60,023 | $22,665 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Augsburg University, approximately 52% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.