Biology at Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University's biology program delivers surprisingly strong outcomes given its open-access admissions, with graduates earning $35,435 their first year out—well above both the Oregon median ($30,982) and the national benchmark ($32,316). In Oregon's competitive landscape, this places it at the 60th percentile statewide, trailing only Linfield, the University of Oregon, and Pacific among comparable programs. The program manages this while keeping debt 17% below the state median at $20,916.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 is manageable, meaning graduates owe roughly seven months' salary. That's a reasonable starting point, though biology graduates often need additional schooling for higher-paying career paths in healthcare or research. The program serves a substantial population of first-generation and lower-income students (36% receive Pell grants), making its above-average earnings particularly meaningful for families who need their bachelor's degree to pay off immediately.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Oregon families seeking an affordable biology degree that delivers competitive earnings right out of the gate, Eastern Oregon represents solid value—especially if graduate school isn't an immediate plan.