Biology at Bethany College

Bethany College's biology program places graduates below both Kansas and national averages—earning $29,330 first year out while typical Kansas biology graduates start at $34,494. Within the state, this ranks in the 40th percentile, meaning six in ten Kansas biology programs deliver higher starting salaries. The gap is substantial: nearby Fort Hays State and University of Kansas graduates earn $8,000-$7,000 more annually from day one.

The debt load of $23,875 is slightly below the state median, which helps somewhat, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 still means nearly a full year's salary goes toward loans. For comparison, better-performing programs like Fort Hays achieve a similar ratio while offering significantly higher earning potential. The challenge here isn't crushing debt—it's that graduates aren't earning enough to make even moderate debt comfortable.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift dramatically year to year, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious consideration of alternatives. If your child is set on biology in Kansas, they'd likely be better served by the flagship university in Lawrence or Fort Hays, both offering stronger employment outcomes. If Bethany appeals for other reasons—campus culture, financial aid package, proximity to home—understand that biology graduates here face a tougher financial start than most in-state peers.