Biology at Centenary University

Centenary's biology graduates earn $44,312 in their first year—nearly $12,000 more than the typical New Jersey biology major and $12,000 above the national median. Among the state's 26 biology programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, outperforming larger programs like Montclair State and Georgian Court. Combined with relatively manageable debt ($26,742, just slightly above state norms), the 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates can realistically service their loans while building careers.

The strong earnings are particularly notable given Centenary's 97% admission rate and significant Pell grant population (38%). This isn't a selective research university cherry-picking top students—it's achieving impressive outcomes for a broader range of learners. The university may benefit from strong regional employer relationships or effective career placement in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors where New Jersey biology graduates often find work.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so a few high earners in physician assistant programs, clinical research, or quality control roles could be skewing results upward. Still, even if outcomes vary more than these numbers suggest, the program's track record compares favorably to much larger alternatives. For families seeking a biology degree in northern New Jersey, Centenary merits serious consideration despite—or perhaps because of—its smaller scale and personalized approach.