Biology at Concord University

Concord's biology program sits right at the median for West Virginia—which means starting at $26,390, well below what biology graduates typically earn nationally. While this might initially seem discouraging, the 39% earnings jump to $36,711 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing, whether through additional training, career advancement, or geographic mobility. For a school serving a high proportion of Pell-eligible students (47%), this trajectory shows the program can serve as a launching pad, even if the initial landing is modest.

The debt load of $23,236 is actually manageable given the earnings path, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0—better than many biology programs nationally. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, and the lack of data on where graduates end up matters. If they're staying in West Virginia's limited biotech market versus relocating to stronger job markets, that explains a lot. It's also worth noting that top-performing Shepherd University produces biology graduates earning nearly double Concord's starting salary, though that may reflect different career pathways or student profiles.

For families weighing this program, the question is whether the relatively affordable debt justifies below-average starting pay, particularly when stronger alternatives exist within the state. If your child plans graduate school or healthcare careers requiring additional degrees, Concord's reasonable debt burden keeps options open. But if immediate employability matters most, this program's below-national performance deserves honest conversation.