Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,096
55th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.76
Manageable
Sample Size
27
Limited data

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

Dallas Baptist UniversityOther biology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dallas Baptist University$33,096$48,708$25,0000.76
Southern Methodist University$39,087$44,885$22,1250.57
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor$36,637—$27,0000.74
University of Houston-Clear Lake$35,591$50,154$19,9530.56
Texas State University$34,516$46,634$24,0000.70
Saint Edward's University$33,597$49,126$26,0000.77
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.