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 sampleβfewer than 30 graduatesβwhich 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
Earnings Distribution
How Dallas Baptist University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Baptist University | $33,096 | $48,708 | +47% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $31,832 | $54,042 | +70% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $29,028 | $53,216 | +83% |
| Texas Woman's University | $31,367 | $52,586 | +68% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $26,029 | $50,623 | +94% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,140 | $33,096 | $48,708 | $25,000 | 0.76 | |
| $64,460 | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 | |
| $33,150 | $36,637 | β | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,746 | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 | |
| $11,450 | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 | |
| $51,384 | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 | |
| 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 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.