Biology at DeSales University

DeSales University's biology graduates earn $42,751 in their first year—well above the Pennsylvania median of $35,122 and dramatically higher than the national median of $32,316. That 95th percentile national ranking is impressive, though context matters: among Pennsylvania's 85 biology programs, DeSales sits at the 60th percentile, suggesting the state has many strong programs. The relatively modest $27,000 debt load (matching the state median) gives this program one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find, at just 0.63.

The 53% earnings jump to $65,437 by year four is particularly notable for biology, a field where many graduates need additional credentials for higher earnings. This trajectory suggests DeSales students are successfully moving into research positions, healthcare roles, or graduate programs that pay during training. The school's 79% admission rate and moderate SAT scores indicate accessibility without sacrificing outcomes.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making these numbers less reliable than larger programs. Still, the combination of strong earnings growth, manageable debt, and outcomes that beat national benchmarks by a wide margin suggests DeSales prepares biology students effectively. For Pennsylvania families, this represents solid value, even if it doesn't crack the state's top tier occupied by schools like Lehigh and Lafayette.