Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,523
58th percentile (60th in OR)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.81
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

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

George Fox UniversityOther biology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
George Fox University$33,523$44,372$27,0000.81
Linfield University$42,677—$27,0000.63
University of Oregon$35,483$42,829$25,4000.72
Eastern Oregon University$35,435—$20,9160.59
Pacific University$34,612$44,914$26,0210.75
Southern Oregon University$33,930$37,055$27,0000.80
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Oregon

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oregon schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.