Biology at Barton College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Barton College's biology program outperforms both state and national benchmarks despite the school's nearly open admissions, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual outcomes can heavily influence these figures. First-year earnings of $35,783 beat North Carolina's median for biology majors by $5,000 and place graduates in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid outcome for a program serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students. The $26,990 in median debt is manageable at a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than one year's salary.
The real question is trajectory: biology graduates often pursue graduate school or healthcare certifications where initial earnings don't tell the whole story. If your child plans to head straight into the workforce, they'll earn comparable pay to graduates from NC State while taking on similar debt. If medical school or research programs are the goal, this becomes more about the quality of preparation and advising than first-year salary figures.
For families prioritizing affordability and access, Barton delivers reasonable value with below-average debt loads. Just recognize that the small program size makes these numbers less stable than data from larger schools—next year's cohort could look quite different.
Where Barton College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
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 Barton College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Barton College graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 72th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (50 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton College | $35,783 | — | $26,990 | 0.75 |
| Meredith College | $43,182 | $53,798 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| William Peace University | $39,710 | — | $28,500 | 0.72 |
| East Carolina University | $38,992 | $47,217 | $26,000 | 0.67 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $36,157 | $57,457 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
| Campbell University | $35,579 | $40,607 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith College Raleigh | $43,936 | $43,182 | $27,000 |
| William Peace University Raleigh | $33,150 | $39,710 | $28,500 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $7,361 | $38,992 | $26,000 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $8,895 | $36,157 | $21,500 |
| Campbell University Buies Creek | $40,410 | $35,579 | $27,000 |
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 Barton College, approximately 37% 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.