Analysis
Biology programs across Indiana vary dramatically in outcomes, and without reported data from Goshen College itself, families face real uncertainty. Based on typical results from comparable Indiana biology programs, graduates might expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median—while carrying an estimated $27,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 sits in manageable territory, though it's worth noting that top-performing Indiana programs like Indiana State and Purdue report considerably higher starting salaries in the $40,000-$43,000 range.
The challenge here is that biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate programs in medicine, research, or related fields rather than endpoints themselves. If your child plans to continue their education, that $27,000 in estimated undergraduate debt becomes the foundation of a much larger borrowing picture. Conversely, if they're heading straight to the workforce—perhaps in lab technician roles, pharmaceutical sales, or environmental monitoring—these estimated earnings suggest a slow but steady path to financial stability. The admission profile (89% acceptance rate, average SAT of 1049) indicates accessible entry, but that accessibility doesn't necessarily predict career outcomes.
Given the lack of school-specific data, request concrete placement information directly from Goshen: where do their biology graduates actually work, and what graduate programs accept them? Those answers matter more than statewide estimates when you're writing the tuition check.
Where Goshen College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,760 | $36,161* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $43,656* | $46,860 | $21,948* | 0.50 | |
| $9,992 | $40,145* | $56,985 | $20,380* | 0.51 | |
| $36,136 | $39,909* | $58,425 | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| $35,600 | $39,067* | — | $23,250* | 0.60 | |
| $10,136 | $38,985* | $49,171 | $23,375* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Goshen College, approximately 37% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.