Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests that biotechnology graduates from peer programs typically finish their first year earning nearly double what they borrowed—a manageable threshold by most standards. Based on comparable bachelor's programs nationally, first-year earnings around $47,000 align with the national median for this field, while the estimated $24,000 in debt sits slightly above the typical biotechnology graduate's burden. For a private Baptist college serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these figures indicate the program isn't pricing itself dramatically out of step with student outcomes seen elsewhere.
The challenge is that Central Baptist appears to be the only school in Arkansas offering a biotechnology bachelor's degree, leaving no in-state comparison points. Biotechnology programs nationally vary significantly in their preparation—some emphasize lab techniques and quality control roles, while others lean toward research positions requiring graduate study. Without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, it's impossible to know whether Central Baptist's curriculum aligns with the higher-earning segments of the field or prepares students primarily for entry-level positions.
If your child is considering this program, request concrete placement data: where recent graduates are working and in what roles. The estimated figures suggest financial viability if outcomes match peer institutions, but at a small religious college with modest selectivity, you'll want assurance that the biotechnology training translates into actual industry connections and job placement in Arkansas or nearby markets.
Where Central Baptist College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biotechnology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Biotechnology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,680 | $47,017* | — | $24,125* | — | |
| $11,286 | $70,124* | $71,966 | $22,056* | 0.31 | |
| $7,439 | $60,697* | $70,089 | $18,500* | 0.30 | |
| $15,247 | $59,156* | $75,451 | $11,985* | 0.20 | |
| $17,239 | $56,509* | — | $26,686* | 0.47 | |
| $6,270 | $52,118* | $61,720 | $16,500* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $47,016* | — | $20,618* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biotechnology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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 Central Baptist College, approximately 42% 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 national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.