Biology at Mercer University

Mercer's biology graduates face a difficult first year—earning just $22,100 puts this program in the bottom 5% nationally—but strong four-year earnings of nearly $49,000 tell a more nuanced story. That dramatic 121% growth suggests many graduates pursue additional training (medical school, graduate programs) before entering their primary careers, which would explain the initially low wages. Among Georgia's 49 biology programs, Mercer lands near the 25th percentile, trailing state schools like Middle Georgia State ($35,281) and Georgia College ($32,550) by significant margins.

The $25,000 debt load is manageable compared to what the biology degree ultimately delivers, but parents should understand what they're paying for during those early years. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, this program's value proposition weakens considerably—they'd earn $10,000 less than the typical Georgia biology graduate in year one. However, if medical school, pharmacy, or graduate research is the goal, Mercer's stronger academic profile (1280 SAT average, 66% admission rate) may provide better preparation than the higher-earning state alternatives.

The key question: can your family weather those lean early years? Students who need immediate earning power to service debt should look at Georgia's public universities, where year-one outcomes are 30-40% stronger. But for students headed to professional school with family financial support, Mercer's trajectory makes more sense.