Biology at Georgetown University

Georgetown's biology program costs students significantly less in debt than typical biology degrees, but the earnings trajectory tells a more complex story. While graduates start above national and DC medians—earning $37K versus the national $32K—they trail other elite DC universities like American and George Washington in first-year outcomes. The $17,500 debt load sits well below both national ($25K) and DC ($22K) averages, creating a manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats most biology programs nationwide.

The 38% earnings jump to $51K by year four suggests Georgetown's network and brand carry weight, particularly in DC's research and policy landscape where biology graduates can pivot into adjacent fields. However, these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs. The small sample could reflect either genuine program selectivity or year-to-year volatility that won't predict your child's outcome.

For families paying Georgetown's price tag, biology delivers modest returns compared to the university's professional programs. The relatively light debt helps, but pre-med students should verify medical school acceptance rates, while others should have a clear plan for graduate school or DC-area employment where the Georgetown credential matters most. This works better as a stepping stone than a terminal degree.