Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,530
45th percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$26,205
5% above national median

Analysis

Kennesaw State's biology program stands out in Georgia's crowded field, ranking in the 60th percentile statewideβ€”a meaningful achievement given that 49 schools compete for the same students. More importantly, graduates see their earnings jump 53% by year four, reaching $48,140. That four-year figure exceeds what many biology programs deliver even at graduation, suggesting graduates successfully transition into professional roles rather than remaining stuck in lab tech positions. The debt load of $26,205 is slightly above the state median but manageable given the strong earnings trajectory.

The first-year earnings of $31,530 look modest, but context matters here. Biology graduates often need time to complete certification programs, secure research positions, or gain admission to professional schools. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms this pattern is reliable, not a statistical fluke. While programs like Middle Georgia State show higher starting salaries, Kennesaw's four-year outcomes demonstrate the degree provides solid career momentum.

For Georgia families, this program represents a practical investment at an accessible institution. The 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically manage loan payments while building toward better-paying roles. If your child plans to work in healthcare, pursue graduate school, or enter research, Kennesaw's track record of earnings growth should ease concerns about that initial salary dip.

Where Kennesaw State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Kennesaw State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Kennesaw State University$31,530$48,140+53%
Morehouse College$19,679$71,611+264%
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus$19,167$54,251+183%
Augusta University$28,978$49,385+70%
Gordon State College$29,542$49,054+66%

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (49 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw$5,786$31,530$48,140$26,2050.83
Middle Georgia State UniversityMacon$4,432$35,281β€”$29,2200.83
Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville$8,998$32,550$39,150$25,0000.77
Clayton State UniversityMorrow$5,068$31,665$47,292$31,5000.99
University of North GeorgiaDahlonega$5,009$31,007$48,562$21,5000.69
Dalton State CollegeDalton$3,283$30,839$39,807$10,3230.33
National Medianβ€”$32,316β€”$25,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

$67,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

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 Kennesaw State University, approximately 35% 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 223 graduates with reported earnings and 276 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.