Analysis
Fort Lewis College's biology graduates start well below average—earning $26,350 initially puts them in just the 25th percentile among Colorado programs and 18th nationally. More concerning, even top Colorado biology programs like Metro State ($41,018) and CSU Pueblo ($38,933) start their graduates $12,000-$15,000 higher. The $18,761 debt load is lighter than most programs, but it still takes significant discipline to manage on that first-year salary.
The redeeming factor here is impressive growth: earnings jump 45% to reach $38,066 by year four, landing graduates near the state median. This suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through—perhaps into graduate programs or specialized roles that value the foundation over immediate credentials. For a school serving a substantial proportion of Pell-eligible students (36%), this trajectory matters.
The calculus depends on what your child plans next. If they're headed to medical, veterinary, or graduate school—where that initial salary is temporary anyway—the relatively low debt is an advantage. But if they need to earn immediately after graduation, understand they'll be starting thousands behind peers at other Colorado schools, with no guarantee of closing that gap fully even after four years.
Where Fort Lewis College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Fort Lewis College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lewis College | $26,350 | $38,066 | +44% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $34,562 | $52,543 | +52% |
| University of Denver | $36,393 | $49,819 | +37% |
| Colorado State University Pueblo | $38,933 | $48,456 | +24% |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | $32,374 | $46,894 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fort Lewis CollegeDurango | $9,670 | $26,350 | $38,066 | $18,761 | 0.71 |
 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver | $10,780 | $41,018 | $46,814 | $29,587 | 0.72 |
 Colorado State University PuebloPueblo | $9,401 | $38,933 | $48,456 | $25,829 | 0.66 |
 Colorado CollegeColorado Springs | $67,932 | $36,571 | $30,274 | $20,513 | 0.56 |
 University of DenverDenver | $59,340 | $36,393 | $49,819 | $20,849 | 0.57 |
 University of Northern ColoradoGreeley | $12,010 | $34,647 | $41,539 | $24,663 | 0.71 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Fort Lewis College, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.