Biology at CUNY Medgar Evers College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
CUNY Medgar Evers College's biology program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $39,810—nearly 20% above the national median and significantly better than New York's typical biology graduate. Even more impressive: graduates carry just $13,980 in debt, less than half the state and national medians. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in under a year of dedicated repayment. Among New York's 92 biology programs, this places at the 60th percentile for earnings while maintaining exceptional affordability.
The program serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (57%) at an open-access institution, yet outcomes rival or exceed those at selective private colleges. Four-year earnings climb to $49,396—a 24% increase that suggests strong career progression. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't statistical flukes.
For families concerned about pre-med or health science pathways, this represents one of the best value propositions in New York. Your child gets strong earning potential with minimal debt burden, leaving them well-positioned for graduate school or immediate career entry without the crushing loans that plague many biology majors. At these numbers, this program delivers more financial security than most alternatives in the state.
Where CUNY Medgar Evers College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates compare to all programs nationally
CUNY Medgar Evers College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $39,810 | $49,396 | $13,980 | 0.35 |
| Barnard College | $47,329 | — | $16,635 | 0.35 |
| Hamilton College | $43,639 | — | $17,000 | 0.39 |
| The College of Saint Rose | $41,068 | $53,389 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | $40,935 | $62,588 | $19,892 | 0.49 |
| Clarkson University | $39,807 | $63,850 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College New York | $66,246 | $47,329 | $16,635 |
| Hamilton College Clinton | $65,740 | $43,639 | $17,000 |
| The College of Saint Rose Albany | $37,452 | $41,068 | $27,000 |
| Columbia University in the City of New York New York | $69,045 | $40,935 | $19,892 |
| Clarkson University Potsdam | $57,950 | $39,807 | $27,000 |
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 CUNY Medgar Evers College, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 166 graduates with reported earnings and 159 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.