Biology at Clarkson University

Clarkson's biology graduates achieve remarkable earnings growth—from under $40,000 initially to nearly $64,000 by year four—a 60% jump that places them in the 93rd percentile nationally. That trajectory is exceptional for a biology bachelor's degree, where many programs see more modest gains. However, the starting salary of $39,807 lands squarely in the middle of New York's biology programs (60th percentile), behind elite liberal arts colleges but competitive with most state schools.

The $27,000 debt load is notably manageable, falling in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of biology programs leave students with more debt. The 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming given how quickly earnings accelerate. This pattern suggests Clarkson biology graduates may be entering graduate programs, medical school, or technical roles that require experience before reaching full earning potential. The admitted 77% acceptance rate and solid academic profile indicate this isn't a highly selective program, yet outcomes rival far more exclusive schools.

The critical caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, one or two unusually successful alumni could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is considering pre-med or graduate school, Clarkson's track record looks promising. If they need strong immediate earnings after graduation, the first-year salary is merely average—though the growth curve suggests patience pays off here.