Biology at Boston University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Boston University's biology graduates face a puzzling disconnect: they're crushing it nationally but struggling locally. While BU biology majors earn more than 95% of biology programs nationwide, they land squarely in the middle of Massachusetts biology programs—notably trailing Worcester Polytechnic, UMass-Lowell, and several others by $5,000-$11,000. For a program with an 11% admission rate and 1473 median SAT, these earnings should rank higher in a state where the median biology grad makes $41,879.
The good news is the reasonable debt load ($27,000) and strong earnings trajectory—graduates see 40% income growth from year one to year four, reaching $56,324. That's solid progression and keeps the debt manageable. But here's what matters for an anxious parent: you're paying premium tuition for an elite admission slot that doesn't translate to premium biology outcomes, at least not in the competitive Massachusetts market where your child will likely start their career.
If pre-med or graduate school is the plan, BU's brand strength and research opportunities may justify the investment. But if your child intends to work with just the bachelor's degree, they could achieve similar or better earnings outcomes at less selective Massachusetts schools, potentially with lower tuition costs and less competitive environments.
Where Boston University 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 Boston University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Boston University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th 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 Massachusetts
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | $40,165 | $56,324 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $51,711 | $71,939 | $26,999 | 0.52 |
| Curry College | $46,736 | — | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $46,526 | $66,988 | $26,747 | 0.57 |
| Stonehill College | $46,088 | $58,080 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Salem State University | $45,670 | $59,961 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester | $59,070 | $51,711 | $26,999 |
| Curry College Milton | $46,220 | $46,736 | $27,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell | $16,570 | $46,526 | $26,747 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $46,088 | $27,000 |
| Salem State University Salem | $11,978 | $45,670 | $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 Boston University, approximately 18% 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 72 graduates with reported earnings and 112 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.