Analysis
Biology programs in New Hampshire cluster fairly tightly in the $40,000-$45,000 range for starting salaries, and similar programs in the state suggest Colby-Sawyer's graduates likely fall in the middle of that pack. With estimated first-year earnings around $41,856—derived from six comparable biology programs statewide—and debt of $26,160, this represents a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio. By year four, earnings climb to $49,550, indicating solid career progression for those who stay in biology-related fields.
The practical question is whether this trajectory justifies the investment. Starting in the low-$40,000s is typical for biology bachelor's degrees nationally (where the median is actually much lower at $32,316), but it means graduates face several years of modest paychecks while paying down loans. The $26,160 debt load sits near the national median for biology programs and is actually slightly below New Hampshire's typical $27,000, making monthly payments workable but not trivial on an entry-level science salary.
For a student committed to biology—whether for graduate school prerequisites, clinical lab work, or environmental careers—these numbers align with what peer institutions deliver. The data limitations here mean you can't assess how Colby-Sawyer specifically prepares students compared to UNH or Plymouth State, but the estimated outcomes don't raise red flags relative to biology degrees generally.
Where Colby-Sawyer College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colby-Sawyer College | — | $49,550 | — |
| University of Detroit Mercy | $19,882 | $95,564 | +381% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $45,346 | $60,936 | +34% |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $45,346 | $60,936 | +34% |
| Keene State College | $43,624 | $51,753 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Colby-Sawyer CollegeNew London | $18,400 | $41,856* | $49,550 | $26,160 | — |
 University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham | $19,112 | $45,346* | $60,936 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
 University of New Hampshire at ManchesterManchester | $15,820 | $45,346* | $60,936 | $27,000 | 0.60 |
 Keene State CollegeKeene | $14,710 | $43,624* | $51,753 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
 Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth | $14,558 | $40,088* | — | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $36,525* | — | $17,030 | 0.47 |
| 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 Colby-Sawyer College, approximately 23% 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 median of 6 similar programs in NH. Actual outcomes may vary.