Analysis
King's College biology graduates face a difficult first year, earning just $26,074—well below both the national median ($32,316) and Pennsylvania's median ($35,122). At the state level, this ranks in the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of Pennsylvania biology programs deliver stronger initial outcomes. While the $27,000 debt load sits at the national median, that 1.04 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe more than they'll earn in their first year out.
The silver lining is significant earnings growth: by year four, median earnings jump 81% to $47,160, which actually exceeds both state and national benchmarks. This pattern suggests many graduates may be pursuing graduate degrees or gaining credentials that open better-paying positions later. However, that first year poses real financial challenges, especially for students who need to immediately service their loans.
The small sample size here is critical—with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers may not represent typical outcomes. For a parent evaluating this $27,000 investment, the question becomes whether your child can weather that tough first year, potentially through family support or additional education. If immediate earnings matter—say, for loan repayment—Pennsylvania offers dozens of biology programs with stronger early returns. But if graduate school or a healthcare pathway is the plan, the eventual earnings may justify the rocky start.
Where King's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How King's College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| King's College | $26,074 | $47,160 | +81% |
| Villanova University | $31,818 | $70,311 | +121% |
| Widener University | $35,142 | $68,495 | +95% |
| Susquehanna University | $36,174 | $66,779 | +85% |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | +53% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $42,600 | $26,074 | $47,160 | $27,000 | 1.04 | |
| $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 King's College, approximately 27% 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.