Biology at Mount Mary University

Similar programs across Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 for biology bachelor's graduates, which is actually above the national median for this degree. Combined with estimated debt of $26,000—aligned with typical biology program borrowing—this produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. That's reasonable for an entry-level science degree, where graduates often need additional credentials or experience to reach higher salary tiers.

The challenge here is context. Wisconsin's biology programs show enormous variance, with top performers like Edgewood College producing graduates earning over $51,000 while others hover around $35,000. Without actual outcomes data from Mount Mary, it's difficult to know where this program lands in that spectrum. The school serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students (58%), and its open admission policy suggests it may attract students who need more support—factors that can influence post-graduation outcomes independently of program quality.

For families considering this path: the estimated numbers suggest neither a red flag nor a standout opportunity. Biology degrees typically require graduate school or strategic career positioning for stronger returns. If your student is committed to the field and Mount Mary offers specific advantages—mentorship, location, or fit—the debt burden appears tolerable. However, the lack of reported data means you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools where actual graduate outcomes are available.