Biology at Mars Hill University

Mars Hill's biology program shows a dramatic earnings trajectory that's both promising and puzzling. Graduates start below state and national averages at $29,455, but within four years their median salary jumps to $50,162—a 70% increase that far outpaces typical biology career growth. That final figure exceeds the top-performing NC programs shown here, though you should note this is based on a small sample size (under 30 graduates), which means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

The debt load of $26,040 is reasonable and slightly below the NC median for biology programs. With a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88, recent graduates face a manageable financial situation that improves substantially as their careers develop. The pattern suggests graduates may pursue additional training or certification after graduation—perhaps moving into healthcare, research, or graduate programs—that takes time to pay off but ultimately yields strong returns.

For families considering this program: the early earning period looks modest, but if the four-year trajectory holds, this could be a solid investment. However, given the small sample size, talk directly with the department about typical career paths and whether those high four-year earnings reflect most graduates' experiences or just a few successful outliers. The 42% Pell grant enrollment suggests the school serves many cost-conscious families, which may matter if financial aid is a priority.