Biology at Buena Vista University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Buena Vista's biology program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but here's what matters for Iowa families: graduates earn about $4,000 less annually than the state median for biology majors, placing them in the bottom half of Iowa's 26 programs. The top programs in the state—Upper Iowa, Grand View, Drake—produce graduates earning 40% more within a year of graduation. That's a significant gap that compounds over time.
The bright spot is debt load. At $27,000, it matches the state median and sits in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of biology programs nationwide saddle graduates with more debt. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88, graduates should be able to manage payments, though the $30,682 starting salary is tight for someone living independently. Biology majors often pursue graduate degrees, which means this debt could be just the beginning if medical school or PhD programs are on the horizon.
The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. If your child is committed to biology and values Buena Vista's small-campus environment, the manageable debt makes this workable. But if earnings potential is the priority, several Iowa schools deliver substantially better returns for similar or lower debt levels.
Where Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Buena Vista University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 40th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista University | $30,682 | — | $27,000 | 0.88 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $26,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $25,343 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
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 Buena Vista University, approximately 43% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.