Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests a manageable financial picture for this biotechnology bachelor's degree, though both figures come from peer programs nationally rather than East Stroudsburg's actual graduate outcomes. Similar biotechnology programs typically see first-year earnings around $47,000 with debt near $20,400—numbers that align closely with what this program estimates. For a field that often requires graduate education for advancement, starting with modest undergraduate debt matters considerably.
The broader context here is worth weighing carefully. East Stroudsburg serves a significant population of Pell-eligible students (40%), and biotechnology programs can open doors to research positions, pharmaceutical companies, and quality control labs even at the bachelor's level. However, with only seven schools offering this degree in Pennsylvania and none reporting detailed outcomes publicly, parents lack the state-level comparison data that would clarify whether East Stroudsburg's program performs above or below its regional peers. The national benchmarks suggest these are typical numbers for the field, but "typical" doesn't necessarily mean strong when many biotech graduates eventually pursue master's degrees or pivot to adjacent careers.
Given the estimation uncertainty and the field's graduate school expectations, families should investigate East Stroudsburg's specific industry connections, research opportunities, and graduate school placement rates. The financial fundamentals appear sound based on comparable programs, but confirming what East Stroudsburg's biotechnology graduates actually do after graduation would substantially reduce the guesswork in this decision.
Where East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biotechnology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Biotechnology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,036 | $47,017* | — | $20,414* | — | |
| $11,286 | $70,124* | $71,966 | $22,056* | 0.31 | |
| $7,439 | $60,697* | $70,089 | $18,500* | 0.30 | |
| $15,247 | $59,156* | $75,451 | $11,985* | 0.20 | |
| $17,239 | $56,509* | — | $26,686* | 0.47 | |
| $6,270 | $52,118* | $61,720 | $16,500* | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $47,016* | — | $20,618* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biotechnology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, approximately 40% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 18 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.