Analysis
Biology programs across Pennsylvania produce first-year earnings that cluster tightly around $35,000, and Grove City's estimated outcomes fall right at that state median—neither exceptional nor concerning. The estimated $27,000 in debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 that suggests graduates could reasonably handle repayment on typical entry-level biology wages. What's striking here is what the data reveals about biology generally: even top performers like Lehigh ($45,695) show earnings well below what many families expect from a bachelor's degree at a selective institution.
The uncertainty surrounding Grove City's specific outcomes matters because biology career paths vary dramatically. Some graduates head straight to lab jobs or quality control positions at these salary levels, while others use the degree as a stepping stone to medical school, research programs, or graduate work where earnings eventually climb much higher. Without knowing this program's particular graduate destinations—whether most pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce directly—the estimated figures provide only a baseline expectation rather than a forecast of individual outcomes.
For families evaluating this investment, the key question is what comes after graduation. If your student plans to work immediately with a bachelor's degree, understand that $35,000 is the realistic starting point across Pennsylvania biology programs, and the debt load appears proportional to that reality. If professional or graduate school is the goal, factor in those additional years of education and their costs before the career earnings truly begin.
Where Grove City College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,890 | $35,122* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $62,180 | $45,695* | $52,512 | $23,128* | 0.51 | |
| $33,968 | $44,567* | — | $28,500* | 0.64 | |
| $39,570 | $43,968* | $51,631 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $11,036 | $43,182* | $47,690 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $44,800 | $42,751* | $65,437 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Grove City College, approximately 0% 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 50 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.