Biology at Heritage University

Is a biology degree worth $22,500 in debt when first-year earnings hover around $35,000? Based on comparable programs across Washington state, Heritage University's bachelor's in biology appears to track closely with typical outcomes—estimated earnings match the state median exactly, while projected debt comes in slightly lower than what most Washington biology graduates carry. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 suggests graduates would dedicate roughly eight months of their first year's salary to loan repayment, a manageable threshold by most standards.

What this estimation masks, however, is how Heritage's mission might affect the calculation. With 63% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a predominantly low-income population for whom any debt requires careful consideration. Biology bachelor's degrees often function as stepping stones to graduate programs in healthcare or research rather than terminal credentials, meaning these first-year earnings may understate the degree's long-term value—but only if students can afford to continue their education. Peer programs in Washington produce similar outcomes, suggesting Heritage isn't underperforming its competitive set.

The practical question is whether your child plans to pursue further education immediately or needs to work first. If graduate school is the goal, this debt level won't necessarily preclude it. If they're entering the workforce directly, understand that $35,000 represents typical biology earnings in Washington, not a Heritage-specific limitation—the field simply doesn't command high starting salaries at the bachelor's level.