Analysis
Cleveland University-Kansas City's biology program stands out for one crucial reason: remarkably low debt. At $16,625, graduates carry about a third of what biology majors typically owe nationally, and $5,000 less than the Kansas state average. This makes an enormous practical difference—these graduates can pursue graduate school, lower-paying research positions, or other career paths without the financial constraints that often force biology majors into immediate high-paying work.
The earnings tell a more complex story. At nearly $40,000 in the first year, graduates earn well above both national and Kansas medians for biology programs. However, this places them only at the 60th percentile within Kansas—meaning programs like Fort Hays State and the University of Kansas produce slightly higher earners. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 is excellent, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under half a year of gross earnings.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, for families concerned about biology majors' notorious debt burden, this program offers a concrete advantage. Your child would graduate with manageable debt and earnings competitive with state peers—a combination that provides genuine financial flexibility in a field where many graduates need additional education to advance.
Where Cleveland University-Kansas City Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Cleveland University-Kansas City graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland University-Kansas City | $39,724 | $40,240 | +1% |
| University of Saint Mary | $34,718 | $60,442 | +74% |
| Pittsburg State University | $32,134 | $51,950 | +62% |
| Kansas State University | $27,301 | $49,286 | +81% |
| University of Kansas | $36,131 | $49,093 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cleveland University-Kansas CityOverland Park | $14,400 | $39,724 | $40,240 | $16,625 | 0.42 |
 Fort Hays State UniversityHays | $5,633 | $37,134 | $44,899 | $22,000 | 0.59 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $36,131 | $49,093 | $22,000 | 0.61 |
 University of Saint MaryLeavenworth | $33,890 | $34,718 | $60,442 | $26,000 | 0.75 |
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $34,271 | $41,782 | $24,314 | 0.71 |
 Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg | $8,008 | $32,134 | $51,950 | $19,550 | 0.61 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Cleveland University-Kansas City, approximately 57% 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.