Biology at Chowan University

Chowan's biology program produces first-year earnings of $29,508—landing below both the NC state median ($30,692) and the national average ($32,316). While the debt load at $27,000 is manageable and actually better than most biology programs nationwide (5th percentile), the combination still creates a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that stretches this degree's immediate financial viability. Among North Carolina's 50 biology programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile, placing it firmly in the bottom half of in-state options.

The concerning gap here is stark: top NC programs like Meredith College and William Peace University deliver 46-35% higher starting salaries, which compounds dramatically over a career. For a family evaluating this program, the question becomes whether the access Chowan provides—with a 72% admission rate and strong support for Pell-eligible students—justifies starting several thousand dollars behind peers from flagship or higher-performing regional schools. Biology graduates often pursue advanced degrees or healthcare careers where that early earnings deficit can create cascading challenges.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the data suggests families should carefully weigh this against other NC options. If your student is considering pre-med or graduate school, that $27,000 debt becomes the foundation of a much larger total. For students who will work immediately after graduation, stronger-performing programs nearby offer meaningfully better financial starting points.