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
Earnings Distribution
How Marywood University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marywood University | $43,968 | $51,631 | +17% |
| Villanova University | $31,818 | $70,311 | +121% |
| Widener University | $35,142 | $68,495 | +95% |
| Susquehanna University | $36,174 | $66,779 | +85% |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | +53% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Marywood UniversityScranton | $39,570 | $43,968 | $51,631 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $45,695 | $52,512 | $23,128 | 0.51 |
 Holy Family UniversityPhiladelphia | $33,968 | $44,567 | — | $28,500 | 0.64 |
 East Stroudsburg University of PennsylvaniaEast Stroudsburg | $11,036 | $43,182 | $47,690 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
 DeSales UniversityCenter Valley | $44,800 | $42,751 | $65,437 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
 Lafayette CollegeEaston | $62,574 | $41,885 | $60,777 | $17,000 | 0.41 |
| 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 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.