Biology at Hollins University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Hollins biology graduates earn $27,721 in their first year—about $5,000 below Virginia's median for biology programs and nearly $5,000 below the national benchmark. While the debt load of $27,000 sits near typical levels, the combination means graduates face nearly dollar-for-dollar debt compared to first-year earnings. Within Virginia's competitive biology landscape, this program ranks at the 40th percentile, lagging significantly behind peers like VMI ($43,797) and even nearby Roanoke College ($37,458).
The concerning element here isn't just the below-average starting salary—it's what that means for financial flexibility right out of college. Biology graduates often pursue graduate school or specialized training, and starting $5,000 behind state peers while carrying similar debt narrows options considerably. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) suggests this data may fluctuate year to year, but it's worth noting that even with statistical noise, these earnings fall in the bottom quarter nationally for biology programs.
For families considering Hollins specifically for its liberal arts environment or other institutional strengths, biology may not be the strongest programmatic choice. The numbers suggest looking closely at alternative programs within Hollins or comparing biology offerings at Virginia state schools, which typically deliver stronger early earnings outcomes at lower cost for in-state students.
Where Hollins University 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 Hollins University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hollins University graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 23th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollins University | $27,721 | — | $27,000 | 0.97 |
| Virginia Military Institute | $43,797 | $63,600 | $23,000 | 0.53 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | $41,876 | $48,487 | $24,500 | 0.59 |
| Shenandoah University | $40,980 | $53,262 | $23,250 | 0.57 |
| Roanoke College | $37,458 | $51,790 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| University of Richmond | $36,300 | $52,909 | $20,064 | 0.55 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military Institute Lexington | $20,484 | $43,797 | $23,000 |
| Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney | $52,388 | $41,876 | $24,500 |
| Shenandoah University Winchester | $36,028 | $40,980 | $23,250 |
| Roanoke College Salem | $36,774 | $37,458 | $27,000 |
| University of Richmond University of Richmond | $62,600 | $36,300 | $20,064 |
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 Hollins University, approximately 33% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.