Biology at Bridgewater State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Bridgewater State's biology program outperforms 95% of biology programs nationwide on earnings—a remarkable achievement for a highly accessible public university. Graduates earn $44,626 in their first year, substantially above the $32,316 national median and ahead of several more selective Massachusetts institutions. The $27,000 typical debt load is completely in line with state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.61 that most biology programs can't match.
The program's positioning within Massachusetts tells a more nuanced story. At the 60th percentile statewide, Bridgewater sits in the middle of the pack among Bay State biology programs—solid but not elite. Schools like Worcester Polytechnic and UMass Lowell edge ahead by $5,000-$7,000 annually. However, Bridgewater's 89% acceptance rate means it's realistically available to far more students than some competitors, and the outcomes remain strong: earnings grow 21% by year four, reaching $54,183.
For families weighing biology programs, this represents dependable value. Your child gets above-average earnings without premium debt, from a program that won't require a perfect transcript for admission. The career trajectory looks healthy, and you're not gambling on whether sub-$30,000 debt will prove manageable—the numbers clearly work.
Where Bridgewater State 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 Bridgewater State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bridgewater State University graduates earn $45k, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater State University | $44,626 | $54,183 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
| 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 Bridgewater State University, approximately 30% 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 106 graduates with reported earnings and 134 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.