Analysis
Peer biology programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $35,700 against roughly $26,200 in debtβa manageable ratio that puts this estimate right at the state median for the field. However, the wide range among Wisconsin schools with reported data tells a more complex story: graduates from some programs start at over $50,000, while others cluster in the high $30,000s. Without actual outcomes from Maranatha Baptist specifically, it's impossible to know where this program falls on that spectrum.
The estimated debt load appears reasonable, tracking closely with both state and national medians for biology degrees. A 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could realistically manage loan payments, assuming the earnings estimate holds. Still, biology is notoriously broadβoutcomes depend heavily on whether graduates pursue research positions, healthcare roles, or other career paths, and a smaller program may have fewer specialized tracks or lab resources than larger institutions.
Given the data limitations here, focus on what you can verify directly: talk to current students and recent alumni about their job placements, ask about lab facilities and research opportunities, and inquire whether the program prepares students for graduate school if that's the goal. The estimates suggest this won't be a financial disaster, but you'll want concrete evidence that Maranatha's specific program delivers value in its context.
Where Maranatha Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (29 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,280 | $35,752* | β | $26,248* | β | |
| $34,850 | $51,134* | $54,363 | $29,000* | 0.57 | |
| $50,700 | $43,250* | $46,101 | $27,000* | 0.62 | |
| $37,230 | $43,188* | $56,294 | $27,000* | 0.63 | |
| $8,212 | $38,530* | $56,168 | $24,250* | 0.63 | |
| $8,250 | $38,331* | $46,673 | $27,000* | 0.70 | |
| National Median | β | $32,316* | β | $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 Maranatha Baptist University, approximately 34% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 21 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.