Biology at Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University's biology program starts slow but shows something important: a 34% earnings jump between year one and year four. That first-year figure of $30,804 lands below both the Illinois median ($32,844) and national average, putting graduates at the 40th percentile statewide. But by year four, earnings reach $41,268—outpacing the typical trajectory for biology majors and suggesting graduates are successfully moving into better positions or advancing to graduate programs.

The debt load of $24,287 is actually lighter than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio even with those modest starting salaries. Compare this to top Illinois programs like Governors State ($43,641 starting) or Northern Illinois ($38,137), and the gap is noticeable. However, those schools may serve different student populations or feed into distinct career paths, and Elmhurst's lower debt partially offsets the earnings difference.

For families, the question is whether that first year or two of below-average earnings is acceptable given the strong growth trajectory afterward. If your student plans to pursue graduate school—common for biology majors heading toward healthcare or research—that initial salary matters less than the debt burden, which is reasonable here. If they need immediate earning power after graduation, other Illinois programs deliver stronger starts.