Biology at George Fox University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
George Fox biology graduates start at $33,523—slightly above both the state and national medians—but their trajectory tells a more interesting story. By year four, earnings jump 32% to $44,372, which is notably stronger than many biology programs typically deliver. Among Oregon's 19 biology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, positioning it solidly in the middle tier behind schools like Linfield ($42,677) but ahead of programs at Southern Oregon and Pacific University.
The $27,000 debt load is genuinely modest (5th percentile nationally), giving graduates breathing room that matters for a field where many students pursue additional education. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable by most standards. However, these numbers come from a small sample size of under 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest.
For families considering George Fox, the financial picture looks reasonable: below-average debt paired with middle-of-the-pack Oregon earnings and solid growth potential. The 96% admission rate suggests accessibility, though the real question is whether your student plans to stop at a bachelor's degree or continue to graduate school. For those heading directly to work, these numbers work. For pre-med or PhD-bound students, focus less on these earnings figures and more on the program's track record getting students into competitive graduate programs.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How George Fox University graduates compare to all programs nationally
George Fox University graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $33,523 | $44,372 | $27,000 | 0.81 |
| Linfield University | $42,677 | — | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| University of Oregon | $35,483 | $42,829 | $25,400 | 0.72 |
| Eastern Oregon University | $35,435 | — | $20,916 | 0.59 |
| Pacific University | $34,612 | $44,914 | $26,021 | 0.75 |
| Southern Oregon University | $33,930 | $37,055 | $27,000 | 0.80 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Oregon
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linfield University McMinnville | $49,530 | $42,677 | $27,000 |
| University of Oregon Eugene | $15,669 | $35,483 | $25,400 |
| Eastern Oregon University La Grande | $10,671 | $35,435 | $20,916 |
| Pacific University Forest Grove | $54,466 | $34,612 | $26,021 |
| Southern Oregon University Ashland | $12,093 | $33,930 | $27,000 |
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 George Fox University, approximately 27% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.