Biology at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth's biology program delivers a puzzling outcome: graduates enter the workforce earning less than their peers at nearly every other New Hampshire college, including regional state universities. While $36,525 sits comfortably above the national biology median, it ranks dead last among New Hampshire's biology programs—trailing UNH graduates who earn $45,346 and even mid-tier state schools like Plymouth State ($40,088). For a school with a 6% admission rate and average SAT of 1533, these outcomes raise questions about whether the program adequately prepares students for lucrative post-graduate paths.

The silver lining here is exceptionally low debt: at $17,030, Dartmouth biology graduates carry about $10,000 less than the state median and roughly half of their first-year earnings. This likely reflects Dartmouth's strong financial aid, making the financial risk modest even if earnings disappoint. The 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years, even on these relatively modest salaries.

For families considering this program, the key question is trajectory. Many Dartmouth biology graduates may be pursuing medical school, research positions, or other paths where first-year earnings don't reflect long-term potential. If your child plans to enter the workforce directly after graduation, however, the state's public universities appear to offer better immediate returns. The low debt makes this a low-risk choice, but not necessarily a high-reward one for those seeking strong early earnings.