Biology at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan's biology program stands out in Michigan for strong earnings growth that compensates for a modest start. While graduates earn $32,586 in their first year—above the national median but below several Michigan competitors—four years out they're making $49,330, a 51% jump that suggests many successfully transition into higher-paying healthcare or research roles. At the 60th percentile among Michigan biology programs, this performance beats the state's $27,334 median by a significant margin, even if it trails schools like Madonna or Grand Valley.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at Michigan's median for biology degrees and represents a manageable 0.8 times first-year earnings. More importantly, by year four, that ratio flips dramatically in graduates' favor. The pattern here suggests students who pursue post-graduate opportunities—whether that's entering medical school, obtaining specialized certifications, or moving into technical roles—see substantial returns. This isn't immediate financial payoff, but the trajectory points to biology working as intended: a springboard rather than an endpoint.

For families concerned about accessibility and outcomes, Eastern Michigan offers a practical path. The 81% admission rate and substantial Peel grant enrollment (37%) make this attainable for a wide range of students, and the debt-to-outcome balance avoids the trap of paying premium prices for a commodity degree. If your child is committed to leveraging biology for graduate work or healthcare careers, these numbers work.