Biology at Dallas Baptist University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Dallas Baptist University's biology program shows surprisingly strong performance for a school with a 91% admission rate, outpacing 60% of Texas biology programs despite its open-access profile. At $33,096 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than the state median of $30,432, though they still trail the state's top performers by $6,000-$9,000. The $25,000 debt load sits right at the national median, and with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, graduates can realistically manage their payments while building toward better outcomes.
The real story here is the earnings trajectory: that 47% jump to $48,708 by year four suggests DBU's career services or alumni network helps biology graduates find their footing after a modest start. However, these conclusions rest on a very small sample—fewer than 30 graduates—which means a handful of exceptional or struggling outcomes could swing these numbers significantly in any given year.
For families considering this program, it offers solid middle-of-the-pack performance in Texas at a manageable debt level. Just understand you're betting on growth potential rather than immediate high earnings, and recognize that actual outcomes for your student could vary more than usual given the limited data. If your child plans to pursue graduate work in biology or healthcare, this could serve as an affordable stepping stone.
Where Dallas Baptist University 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 Dallas Baptist University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Dallas Baptist University graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 55th 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 Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Baptist University | $33,096 | $48,708 | $25,000 | 0.76 |
| Southern Methodist University | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | $36,637 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 |
| Texas State University | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 |
| Saint Edward's University | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $39,087 | $22,125 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton | $33,150 | $36,637 | $27,000 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $35,591 | $19,953 |
| Texas State University San Marcos | $11,450 | $34,516 | $24,000 |
| Saint Edward's University Austin | $51,384 | $33,597 | $26,000 |
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 Dallas Baptist University, approximately 24% 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.