Biology at Drexel University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Drexel's Biology program commands a premium price point—$27,000 in debt is exactly at Pennsylvania's median—but delivers earnings that justify the investment better than most biology programs nationally. At $37,699 in year one, graduates earn 17% more than the national median for biology majors and 7% above Pennsylvania's average. Within four years, earnings jump to $56,036, a 49% increase that suggests biology graduates are successfully leveraging Drexel's co-op program and Philadelphia's biotech sector connections to move into higher-paying roles.
The 60th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania tells an important story: while Drexel doesn't match the elite outcomes of Lehigh ($45,695), it performs solidly among the 85 Pennsylvania schools offering biology degrees. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 means graduates face manageable loan payments relative to that first-year salary—considerably better than many biology programs where debt can exceed first-year earnings entirely.
For families weighing Drexel's cost, the data supports viewing this as a worthwhile investment for a biology major who's serious about the field. The strong earnings growth and solid national ranking (83rd percentile) indicate the program prepares students well for competitive entry into healthcare, research, or graduate programs. Just understand you're paying market rate for above-market results, not getting a bargain.
Where Drexel 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 Drexel University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Drexel University graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 83th 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 Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | $37,699 | $56,036 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| Lehigh University | $45,695 | $52,512 | $23,128 | 0.51 |
| Holy Family University | $44,567 | — | $28,500 | 0.64 |
| Marywood University | $43,968 | $51,631 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $43,182 | $47,690 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $45,695 | $23,128 |
| Holy Family University Philadelphia | $33,968 | $44,567 | $28,500 |
| Marywood University Scranton | $39,570 | $43,968 | $27,000 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg | $11,036 | $43,182 | $27,000 |
| DeSales University Center Valley | $44,800 | $42,751 | $27,000 |
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 Drexel University, approximately 25% 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 101 graduates with reported earnings and 136 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.