Biology at Misericordia University

Misericordia's biology program sits right at Pennsylvania's median for both debt and earnings—an estimated $27,000 borrowed and $35,122 first-year income based on comparable biology programs across the state. That puts graduates slightly above the national median for biology majors, though well behind top-performing Pennsylvania programs where first-year earnings can reach into the mid-40s. The 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable monthly payments, and with debt in the 5th percentile nationally, Misericordia students are borrowing significantly less than peers at most other schools.

The challenge is that biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate or professional programs rather than terminal credentials. If your child plans to continue to medical, dental, or graduate school, keeping undergraduate debt this modest becomes a strategic advantage—less burden while taking on additional loans later. If they're hoping to work immediately after graduation, first-year salaries around $35,000 in fields like lab work or research assistance will require careful budgeting, though the relatively low debt load makes this more feasible than at pricier alternatives.

The key question is whether Misericordia offers the pre-professional advising, research opportunities, and graduate school preparation that justifies choosing it over higher-earning alternatives or lower-cost state options. The debt picture is solid; the career outcomes depend heavily on what comes after that diploma.