Biology at Morningside University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Morningside's biology program shows modest first-year outcomes but demonstrates something more important: substantial earnings growth over time. While graduates start at $32,620—below Iowa's state median of $34,398 and ranking 40th percentile statewide—their earnings jump 61% by year four to reach $52,416. That trajectory outpaces what many biology programs deliver and suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying positions in healthcare, research, or related fields.
The $27,000 debt load sits at both the state and national median, but paired with that first-year salary, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83—one of the lowest among biology programs nationally (5th percentile). That's manageable debt, particularly given the strong upward earnings trend. However, parents should note this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.
The real question is opportunity cost. Iowa has several biology programs with notably higher early earnings—Upper Iowa and Grand View graduates start around $43,000. If your child has solid academic credentials and financial aid options at those schools, compare carefully. But if Morningside offers better aid or fits your family's situation, the combination of reasonable debt and meaningful earnings growth suggests graduates are building viable careers, even if they start a few steps behind their peers at other Iowa institutions.
Where Morningside University 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 Morningside University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Morningside University graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morningside University | $32,620 | $52,416 | $27,000 | 0.83 |
| Upper Iowa University | $43,311 | — | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Grand View University | $43,237 | $48,797 | $26,000 | 0.60 |
| Drake University | $41,226 | $63,077 | $25,343 | 0.61 |
| Coe College | $41,112 | $48,877 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Grinnell College | $37,170 | $48,846 | $17,500 | 0.47 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Iowa University Fayette | $19,000 | $43,311 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $43,237 | $26,000 |
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $41,226 | $25,343 |
| Coe College Cedar Rapids | $52,576 | $41,112 | $27,000 |
| Grinnell College Grinnell | $64,862 | $37,170 | $17,500 |
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 Morningside University, approximately 32% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.