Biology at Cleveland University-Kansas City

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.