Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,863
60th percentile
40th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

Kutztown's Biology program shows remarkable earnings growth that transforms what looks like a weak start into a solid mid-career position. While first-year earnings of $33,863 trail the Pennsylvania median by about $1,300, graduates see their income nearly double by year four, reaching $60,717—a 79% jump that suggests many enter graduate programs or complete additional training that significantly boosts their earning power. With debt at exactly the state median of $27,000, the manageable 0.80 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates aren't overleveraged during that crucial early period.

The state context tells an important story here: Kutztown ranks in the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania biology programs initially, but that explosive mid-career growth suggests the program effectively prepares students for advanced opportunities. Compare this to Penn State biology grads who start at similar levels—Kutztown's trajectory appears competitive with programs that have more selective admissions. The 95% admission rate means access isn't a barrier for motivated students who understand biology often requires patience before the financial payoff arrives.

For families comfortable with the typical post-biology path—whether that's graduate school, professional programs, or working up through research or healthcare roles—this represents good value. The debt burden won't constrain those next steps, and the four-year numbers suggest Kutztown graduates land in positions with real earning potential once they've completed their extended training.

Where Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Kutztown University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania$33,863$60,717+79%
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaKutztown$11,230$33,863$60,717$27,0000.80
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$45,695$52,512$23,1280.51
Holy Family UniversityPhiladelphia$33,968$44,567$28,5000.64
Marywood UniversityScranton$39,570$43,968$51,631$27,0000.61
East Stroudsburg University of PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg$11,036$43,182$47,690$27,0000.63
DeSales UniversityCenter Valley$44,800$42,751$65,437$27,0000.63
National Median$32,316$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 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, approximately 31% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 60 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.