Biology at Marywood University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Marywood's biology program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the top 5% nationally for earnings—and they're doing it with below-average debt. At $43,968 starting out, these graduates earn 36% more than the typical biology major and outpace 80% of Pennsylvania programs, trailing only elite schools like Lehigh and Holy Family. The $27,000 debt load sits right at the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that most biology majors would envy.
The 17% earnings bump by year four suggests graduates are advancing into better positions, not just treading water. This stands in sharp contrast to many biology programs where students struggle to translate their degree into career momentum. For an open-access institution (84% admit rate), these outcomes are particularly striking—though it's worth noting this analysis is based on fewer than 30 graduates, so individual results may vary more than at larger programs.
If your child is considering pre-health or biology research, this program delivers strong ROI without the debt burden of Pennsylvania's pricier options. The risk here is minimal compared to typical biology programs, where graduates often face years of grad school or struggle to clear $35,000 starting out.
Where Marywood University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Marywood University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Marywood University graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marywood University | $43,968 | $51,631 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
| Lehigh University | $45,695 | $52,512 | $23,128 | 0.51 |
| Holy Family University | $44,567 | — | $28,500 | 0.64 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $43,182 | $47,690 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Lafayette College | $41,885 | $60,777 | $17,000 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $45,695 | $23,128 |
| Holy Family University Philadelphia | $33,968 | $44,567 | $28,500 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg | $11,036 | $43,182 | $27,000 |
| DeSales University Center Valley | $44,800 | $42,751 | $27,000 |
| Lafayette College Easton | $62,574 | $41,885 | $17,000 |
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 Marywood University, approximately 29% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.