Biology at Howard University

Howard biology graduates face a challenging first year, earning roughly $4,500 below the national median and trailing three other DC schools. The initial median of $28,696 barely covers basic living expenses in Washington's expensive market, even with $26,000 in debt that's slightly above DC's typical burden. For an institution with Howard's selectivity (35% admission rate) and the significant share of Pell Grant students it serves (41%), these starting numbers reveal a tough immediate reality.

Here's what changes the story: earnings jump 46% by year four, reaching nearly $42,000. That's substantial momentum that outpaces most biology programs nationally. While still not exceptional in absolute terms, this trajectory suggests Howard graduates eventually find their footing—whether through grad school preparation, career pivoting, or delayed entry into better-paying positions. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these figures represent a meaningful cohort, not an outlier handful.

The debt burden is manageable relative to fourth-year earnings, but that first year will require financial support or supplemental income. If your child is considering pre-med, graduate research, or another path where the bachelor's is just step one, Howard's strong four-year growth matters more than the initial dip. If they need immediate earnings to justify the investment, look elsewhere in DC—Georgetown and American both start $5,000+ higher and maintain that lead.