Biology at Kean University

Kean's biology program defies the usual narrative about biology degrees leading to years of graduate school poverty. While graduates start at $34,522—modest but above New Jersey's median for bio majors—they reach $56,463 by year four, a 64% jump that suggests many are moving quickly into medical professions, research positions, or other specialized roles. This earnings trajectory ranks in the 60th percentile among New Jersey's 26 biology programs, placing it solidly in the middle of a competitive state market.

The debt load of $26,548 is manageable given the trajectory, with a 0.77 ratio to first-year earnings that improves dramatically as graduates progress. Nearly half of Kean's students receive Pell grants, and for these families especially, the question is whether those early years at $34K are financially sustainable. The program can't match Centenary's $44K starting point, but it outperforms several larger state schools on the earnings curve.

For families considering Kean's biology program, the key is having a plan for those first few years. If your child is pre-med, pre-PA, or targeting clinical roles that require initial certification periods, this program delivers long-term value. If they need higher immediate earnings, the gap-year-one numbers suggest looking elsewhere—or ensuring they have financial cushion for the transition period.