Biology at Hanover College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Hanover College's biology program trails behind most other Indiana options, with graduates earning $31,321 their first year—about $5,000 less than the state median and landing in just the 40th percentile among Indiana biology programs. When nearby schools like Indiana State ($43,656) and Purdue ($40,145) offer significantly stronger earning outcomes, geography matters here.
The good news is debt management: at $27,000, borrowing is lighter than most biology programs nationally (5th percentile for debt burden), keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. For context, that's slightly more debt than the Indiana median of $24,820, but paired with below-average earnings, it still means stretching those first-year paychecks to handle loan payments. The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates tracked—means individual career choices could be skewing these numbers significantly, but the gap between this program and other Indiana options is too wide to ignore.
If your child is set on Hanover for other reasons (small liberal arts experience, specific research opportunities), the manageable debt keeps this from being a terrible financial decision. But if biology career preparation is the priority, looking at Indiana's public universities would likely deliver better earning potential for similar or lower debt.
Where Hanover College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
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 Hanover College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hanover College graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 44th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (42 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover College | $31,321 | — | $27,000 | 0.86 |
| Indiana State University | $43,656 | $46,860 | $21,948 | 0.50 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $40,145 | $56,985 | $20,380 | 0.51 |
| University of Indianapolis | $39,909 | $58,425 | $27,000 | 0.68 |
| Trine University | $39,067 | — | $23,250 | 0.60 |
| University of Southern Indiana | $38,985 | $49,171 | $23,375 | 0.60 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Indiana
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Indiana schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana State University Terre Haute | $9,992 | $43,656 | $21,948 |
| Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette | $9,992 | $40,145 | $20,380 |
| University of Indianapolis Indianapolis | $36,136 | $39,909 | $27,000 |
| Trine University Angola | $35,600 | $39,067 | $23,250 |
| University of Southern Indiana Evansville | $10,136 | $38,985 | $23,375 |
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 Hanover College, approximately 26% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.