Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,480
68th percentile (60th in MI)
Median Debt
$13,250
28% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.47
Manageable
Sample Size
32
Adequate data

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

Mott Community CollegeOther biology programs

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 Mott Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Mott Community College graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all biology associates 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 Michigan

Biology associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mott Community College$28,480$35,730$13,2500.47
National Median$26,503—$10,3840.39

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.