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
Earnings Distribution
How George Fox University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $33,523 | $44,372 | +32% |
| Willamette University | $25,100 | $53,079 | +111% |
| Western Oregon University | $25,726 | $52,553 | +104% |
| Pacific University | $34,612 | $44,914 | +30% |
| Portland State University | $29,468 | $43,525 | +48% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,940 | $33,523 | $44,372 | $27,000 | 0.81 | |
| $49,530 | $42,677 | — | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| $15,669 | $35,483 | $42,829 | $25,400 | 0.72 | |
| $10,671 | $35,435 | — | $20,916 | 0.59 | |
| $54,466 | $34,612 | $44,914 | $26,021 | 0.75 | |
| $12,093 | $33,930 | $37,055 | $27,000 | 0.80 | |
| 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 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.