Analysis
Indiana biology programs show significant variation in outcomes, and while Martin University's small graduate cohort prevents direct reporting, drawing on data from comparable programs raises questions about return on investment. Based on peer programs across Indiana, biology graduates typically earn around $36,000 in their first year—roughly equivalent to the state median but notably behind established programs like Indiana State ($43,656) or Purdue ($40,145). With an estimated $27,000 in debt, Martin's figure aligns closely with both state and national norms for biology bachelor's degrees.
The estimated 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, though it assumes steady employment in a biology-related field. Martin serves predominantly low-income students (66% receive Pell grants), and for families without financial cushion, that $27,000 debt load represents real risk if job placement falters or graduate school becomes necessary. Biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to healthcare or research careers requiring additional credentials, which means more debt ahead for many graduates.
The lack of reported outcomes here isn't a red flag about the program itself—small cohorts are common—but it does mean you're making decisions with less visibility than you'd have at larger Indiana schools with established track records. If your child is committed to biology and values Martin's environment, the estimated numbers don't scream "avoid," but they do suggest comparing carefully against state schools where reported outcomes show stronger earning potential for similar debt.
Where Martin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,830 | $36,161* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $9,992 | $43,656* | $46,860 | $21,948* | 0.50 | |
| $9,992 | $40,145* | $56,985 | $20,380* | 0.51 | |
| $36,136 | $39,909* | $58,425 | $27,000* | 0.68 | |
| $35,600 | $39,067* | — | $23,250* | 0.60 | |
| $10,136 | $38,985* | $49,171 | $23,375* | 0.60 | |
| 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 Martin University, approximately 66% 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 17 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.