Analysis
Mott Community College's Biology associate degree shows solid performance at a reasonable price, particularly for students planning to continue their education. With debt of $13,250—well below the national median—graduates enter the workforce earning $28,480, positioning this program at the 60th percentile among Michigan's biology programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, manageable by most standards.
The 26% earnings jump from year one to year four is the real story here. Starting at $28,480, graduates reach $35,730 within four years—substantial growth that suggests either career advancement or completion of a bachelor's degree. Since most biology careers require additional education, this trajectory makes sense for students using Mott as a stepping stone to a four-year program while keeping debt manageable.
For families in Flint considering this path, the numbers work: modest debt, earnings that exceed most biology associate programs nationally, and clear evidence of upward mobility. This is exactly what a community college program should deliver—affordable preparation for the next step without anchoring students with debt that would make continued education financially risky. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes will vary, but the overall pattern shows Mott graduates competing effectively in Michigan's job market while maintaining financial flexibility.
Where Mott Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Mott Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mott Community College | $28,480 | $35,730 | +25% |
| San Diego Miramar College | $15,731 | $52,214 | +232% |
| San Antonio College | $26,835 | $45,818 | +71% |
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Cumberland Campus | $25,026 | $41,493 | +66% |
| Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus | $25,026 | $41,493 | +66% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Biology associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,426 | $28,480 | $35,730 | $13,250 | 0.47 | |
| $27,990 | $74,593 | — | $30,875 | 0.41 | |
| $3,412 | $35,699 | — | $12,718 | 0.36 | |
| $2,550 | $34,560 | $41,217 | $13,375 | 0.39 | |
| $1,334 | $30,520 | $39,274 | $6,500 | 0.21 | |
| $3,412 | $28,923 | $33,961 | $10,708 | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $26,503 | — | $10,384 | 0.39 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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 Mott Community College, approximately 35% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.