Biology at Elon University

Elon's biology program produces graduates who start modestly but see strong earnings growth, though you're working with limited data—fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. At $32,683 in the first year, earnings barely edge out the national median and sit 60th percentile among North Carolina biology programs. More telling: graduates at the top NC schools (like Meredith and William Peace) start earning 25-30% more right out of the gate.

The $24,125 in debt is manageable relative to first-year earnings, and the trajectory looks promising—median earnings jump to nearly $49,000 by year four, a 50% increase that suggests graduates are finding their footing. Still, even with that growth, they're not catching the leaders. For a selective school where only 9% of students receive Pell grants, you might expect stronger placement outcomes for science majors.

The real question is what comes after biology: graduate school, research positions, or career pivots into healthcare or education? Without knowing the specific career paths these graduates take, it's hard to say whether this represents good value or simply reflects the reality that many biology majors pursue additional credentials. If your child is headed to med school or graduate programs, Elon's strong academic environment may matter more than these early earnings. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, there are more cost-effective paths in North Carolina's public system.