Analysis
In Pennsylvania, biology programs produce a wide range of early outcomes, and Mount Aloysius lands squarely in the middle. Based on comparable biology programs across the state, first-year earnings around $35,000 appear typical, though the college's own graduates reach $44,220 by year four—suggesting steady progression rather than an immediate payoff. The $27,000 debt load is precisely in line with both state and national norms for this degree, making the financial proposition neither particularly risky nor especially advantageous.
What matters here is the trajectory. That nine-thousand-dollar jump between years one and four indicates graduates are gaining traction in their careers, whether moving into lab positions, graduate programs, or healthcare roles that value the biology foundation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means your child would owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary—manageable if they're committed to the field and willing to accept that biology bachelor's degrees rarely lead to high immediate earnings without additional credentials.
The real consideration is whether your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level or pursue graduate work. Biology degrees often serve as stepping stones to physical therapy, medical school, or research positions that require advanced training. If they're eyeing those paths, Mount Aloysius provides a reasonably priced foundation. If they expect the bachelor's degree alone to launch a lucrative career, they should understand they'll likely start in the mid-thirties with several years of building ahead.
Where Mount Aloysius College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Aloysius College | — | $44,220 | — |
| Villanova University | $31,818 | $70,311 | +121% |
| Widener University | $35,142 | $68,495 | +95% |
| Susquehanna University | $36,174 | $66,779 | +85% |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | +53% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,156 | $35,122* | $44,220 | $27,000 | — | |
| $62,180 | $45,695* | $52,512 | $23,128 | 0.51 | |
| $33,968 | $44,567* | — | $28,500 | 0.64 | |
| $39,570 | $43,968* | $51,631 | $27,000 | 0.61 | |
| $11,036 | $43,182* | $47,690 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| $44,800 | $42,751* | $65,437 | $27,000 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $32,316* | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
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 Mount Aloysius College, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 50 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.