Biology at Merrimack College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Merrimack's biology program charges $27,000 in median debt but produces first-year earnings of $41,506—a combination that sounds reasonable until you look at what other Massachusetts schools achieve. While this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it lands squarely at the state median, meaning half of Massachusetts biology programs launch graduates into higher-paying positions. More concerning, nearby competitors like UMass-Lowell and Salem State—both public universities with likely lower sticker prices—report earnings above $45,000.
The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, and the debt load itself matches the state average. But when you're paying private school tuition, finishing in the middle of the pack regionally represents underwhelming return on investment. Keep in mind the sample size here is under 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly year to year.
For families committed to private education in Massachusetts, this program won't derail financial futures, but it's not delivering the earnings premium you'd hope for given the cost. If your student has admission offers from UMass-Lowell or Worcester Polytechnic, those merit serious consideration based on superior graduate outcomes.
Where Merrimack College 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 Merrimack College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Merrimack College graduates earn $42k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrimack College | $41,506 | — | $27,000 | 0.65 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $51,711 | $71,939 | $26,999 | 0.52 |
| Curry College | $46,736 | — | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $46,526 | $66,988 | $26,747 | 0.57 |
| Stonehill College | $46,088 | $58,080 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Salem State University | $45,670 | $59,961 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester | $59,070 | $51,711 | $26,999 |
| Curry College Milton | $46,220 | $46,736 | $27,000 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell | $16,570 | $46,526 | $26,747 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $46,088 | $27,000 |
| Salem State University Salem | $11,978 | $45,670 | $27,000 |
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 Merrimack College, approximately 15% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.