Biology at Meredith College

Meredith College biology graduates earn $43,182 their first year—landing this program in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among North Carolina biology programs. That's $10,866 more than the typical biology graduate nationwide and $12,490 above the North Carolina median. Among the state's 50 programs, only William Peace and ECU produce higher first-year earnings, making this one of the top-performing biology programs in a state with many options.

The $27,000 median debt sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle comfortably. More encouraging is the trajectory: earnings jump 25% to nearly $54,000 by year four, suggesting graduates either advance in their initial roles or successfully transition to graduate programs and better-paying positions. This pattern is particularly valuable for biology majors, where many students use the bachelor's degree as a stepping stone to healthcare professions, research positions, or graduate school.

For parents weighing the investment, Meredith delivers outcomes that significantly outperform both state and national peers despite its 75% acceptance rate. The combination of strong immediate earnings, reasonable debt levels, and solid growth makes this a standout choice for students serious about biology, whether as a terminal degree or preparation for advanced study.