Biology at Marist University

Marist's biology program shows a dramatic split between immediate outcomes and longer-term potential. That first-year median of $30,737 sits below both state and national averages, landing at the 40th percentile—but by year four, earnings surge to $74,782, more than doubling typical biology graduate outcomes. This 143% growth rate suggests many graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying healthcare roles or graduate programs after initial entry-level positions.

The $26,000 debt load is manageable and close to national norms, creating a reasonable 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. What matters more is understanding that year-one struggle: biology graduates nationally often work as lab techs, research assistants, or in other stepping-stone positions while they prepare for medical school, physician assistant programs, or other advanced degrees. The explosive earnings growth by year four indicates this pattern is working for Marist graduates.

For families who can weather that initial lower-earning period, the trajectory looks promising. However, if your student needs to start earning immediately after graduation and won't pursue further education, that first-year reality deserves careful consideration. The program clearly positions graduates for advancement, but the pathway requires patience and likely additional schooling to reach those year-four earnings.