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
Earnings Distribution
How Boston University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University | $40,165 | $56,324 | +40% |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $45,494 | $73,280 | +61% |
| Northeastern University | $45,494 | $73,280 | +61% |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $51,711 | $71,939 | +39% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $43,276 | $67,624 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Boston UniversityBoston | $65,168 | $40,165 | $56,324 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester | $59,070 | $51,711 | $71,939 | $26,999 | 0.52 |
 Curry CollegeMilton | $46,220 | $46,736 | — | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell | $16,570 | $46,526 | $66,988 | $26,747 | 0.57 |
 Stonehill CollegeEaston | $54,500 | $46,088 | $58,080 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Salem State UniversitySalem | $11,978 | $45,670 | $59,961 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.