Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,984
74th percentile (60th in MN)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.75
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

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

Augsburg UniversityOther 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 Augsburg University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Augsburg University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 74th 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 Minnesota

Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Augsburg University$35,984$46,760$27,0000.75
Saint Cloud State University$44,166$57,880$24,4500.55
Metropolitan State University$42,128$50,242$28,6190.68
St Catherine University$40,937—$27,0000.66
University of Minnesota-Morris$40,415$43,278$18,5000.46
Winona State University$38,666$60,023$22,6650.59
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud
$10,117$44,166$24,450
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul
$9,780$42,128$28,619
St Catherine University
Saint Paul
$49,758$40,937$27,000
University of Minnesota-Morris
Morris
$14,288$40,415$18,500
Winona State University
Winona
$10,498$38,666$22,665

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.