Analysis
A bachelor's in Biology at Bryant comes with $27,000 in debt—remarkably low compared to most biology programs nationally, landing in the 5th percentile. But the estimated first-year earnings of $39,910, drawn from comparable Rhode Island programs, tells only part of the story. Biology bachelor's degrees typically serve as stepping stones to graduate or professional programs rather than terminal credentials, which means this initial salary figure may matter less than the manageable debt load you're carrying into further education.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 looks reasonable on paper, and Bryant's debt burden sits right at the state median for biology programs. However, peer institutions with reported data—Roger Williams at $47,799 and URI at $45,846—suggest there's meaningful variation in outcomes even within Rhode Island's small market. Without actual earnings data for Bryant's biology graduates specifically, it's difficult to know whether this program trends toward the higher-earning end of that spectrum or falls closer to the state median.
For families considering medical school, veterinary programs, or graduate research, Bryant's contained debt picture is genuinely advantageous. But if the goal is immediate employment with a bachelor's degree, the modest estimated earnings combined with uncertainty around actual outcomes warrant serious conversations about alternative paths—whether that's a different major, a different school with stronger placement in your target field, or clarity about graduate school plans before committing.
Where Bryant University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,169 | $39,910* | — | $27,000 | — | |
| $42,666 | $47,799* | $47,162 | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $16,408 | $45,846* | $58,218 | $24,215 | 0.53 | |
| $47,930 | $40,525* | $70,070 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $10,986 | $39,910* | $62,028 | $26,949 | 0.68 | |
| $60,848 | $39,616* | $74,656 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| 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 Bryant University, approximately 11% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in RI. Actual outcomes may vary.