Biology at Biola University

Biola University's biology program graduates start at just $27,371—about $6,000 below California's median for biology programs and $5,000 below the national benchmark. Among California's 75 biology programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs deliver stronger initial returns. The debt load of $27,000 exceeds both the national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of nearly 1:1 in that crucial first year when graduates are trying to establish financial footing.

The dramatic 69% earnings jump to $46,235 by year four offers some reassurance, suggesting many graduates successfully navigate into better-paying positions or graduate programs. However, that still trails programs like nearby Cal State East Bay ($44,370 at one year out) and University of San Diego ($54,223), where students start ahead and compound that advantage over time. For a biology degree that often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or healthcare careers, starting this far behind the curve matters—those early years of lower earnings delay debt payoff and graduate school savings.

The reality here: families should plan for their graduate to need additional credentials or time to reach a comfortable salary. If your child is certain about medical school or another graduate program, the Christian environment may justify the tradeoff. But purely as a biology degree investment, stronger financial outcomes exist both in-state and nationally.