Analysis
Biology programs in Pennsylvania show dramatic variation in outcomes, with top performers producing graduates earning $45,000+ while others cluster around $35,000. Based on comparable biology programs across the state, Immaculata's students likely earn near that lower cluster—roughly $35,000 in their first year—with about $27,000 in debt. That 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though the modest starting salary means students should expect tight budgets early in their careers.
The challenge here isn't the debt load, which aligns with both state and national medians for biology majors. It's that similar programs in Pennsylvania suggest first-year earnings that barely exceed the national median, while peer institutions demonstrate that biology graduates can command significantly more. The $10,000+ gap between what comparable Immaculata students likely earn and what graduates from Lehigh or Holy Family report points to meaningful differences in either career preparation, alumni networks, or student outcomes that warrant investigation.
For families considering this program, the key question is whether Immaculata offers specific advantages—research opportunities, graduate school placement, or professional connections—that justify choosing it over alternatives with stronger demonstrated earnings. Without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're making that decision based on peers rather than proven results.
Where Immaculata University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,550 | $35,122* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $62,180 | $45,695* | $52,512 | $23,128* | 0.51 | |
| $33,968 | $44,567* | — | $28,500* | 0.64 | |
| $39,570 | $43,968* | $51,631 | $27,000* | 0.61 | |
| $11,036 | $43,182* | $47,690 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $44,800 | $42,751* | $65,437 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $32,316* | — | $25,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Immaculata University, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 50 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.