Analysis
CUNY Medgar Evers College's biology program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $39,810βnearly 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 $49,396βa 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
Earnings Distribution
How CUNY Medgar Evers College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | $39,810 | $49,396 | +24% |
| Yeshiva University | $21,104 | $77,314 | +266% |
| Marist University | $30,737 | $74,782 | +143% |
| Siena College | $33,416 | $72,370 | +117% |
| CUNY Hunter College | $30,257 | $70,124 | +132% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,352 | $39,810 | $49,396 | $13,980 | 0.35 | |
| $66,246 | $47,329 | β | $16,635 | 0.35 | |
| $65,740 | $43,639 | β | $17,000 | 0.39 | |
| $37,452 | $41,068 | $53,389 | $27,000 | 0.66 | |
| $69,045 | $40,935 | $62,588 | $19,892 | 0.49 | |
| $57,950 | $39,807 | $63,850 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| National Median | β | $32,316 | β | $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 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.