Biology at Hollins University

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.