Biology at Cedar Crest College

With first-year earnings around $35,000 and debt near $27,000, this biology program tracks exactly with the Pennsylvania median for bachelor's programs in this field—but that state median tells a sobering story. Similar biology programs across Pennsylvania typically produce earnings barely above the national average, while debt loads remain substantial. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates start with debt equivalent to roughly nine months of their first year's salary, creating immediate financial pressure.

The comparison to other Pennsylvania programs is particularly instructive. Several schools—including Lehigh, Holy Family, and Marywood—report biology graduates earning $43,000 to $46,000 in their first year, suggesting that program quality and institutional connections matter significantly in this field. Cedar Crest's 99% admission rate and modest SAT profile may signal less competitive academic preparation or weaker professional networks, factors that often correlate with lower early earnings even when comparing programs with similar debt levels.

For families considering this investment, the central question is whether a biology degree at this price point serves their specific career goals. If medical school or graduate programs are the target, focus on whether Cedar Crest provides strong research opportunities and faculty mentorship—the debt is manageable if it's a stepping stone. But for students planning to work immediately after graduation, comparable programs in Pennsylvania appear to offer meaningfully better earning potential at similar or lower debt levels.