Biology at Kent State University at Stark

Kent State Stark's biology program starts graduates at about $30,000—roughly $2,000 below both state and national averages—but the trajectory tells a more compelling story. Earnings jump 44% to $43,348 by year four, outpacing the typical biology graduate's growth curve. Among Ohio's 62 biology programs, this lands in the 40th percentile, which is solidly middle-of-the-pack but well behind the state's top programs that start graduates closer to $38,000.

The $25,000 in median debt sits right at the national benchmark, making this affordable by biology standards. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 in year one, graduates can realistically manage their loans even during those leaner early years. The strong earnings acceleration suggests that graduates who stick with biology-related work—whether in labs, research, or clinical settings—see meaningful income growth as they gain experience.

For families considering this program, understand you're accepting a slower start in exchange for manageable debt and solid upward mobility. If your student is committed to biology but unsure about graduate school, this path provides breathing room to explore careers without crushing debt. However, if they're comparing offers, programs at Ohio's Miami campuses or Ohio Dominican deliver higher starting salaries that might justify looking elsewhere, especially if the cost difference is minimal.