Biology at New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University's biology program outperforms 84% of similar programs nationally—a remarkable outcome for a school with an 89% admission rate serving a predominantly working-class student body. With first-year earnings of $37,980 and debt under $20,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning they can theoretically pay off their loans in six months of earnings. That's substantially better than the typical biology major nationally, who starts at $32,316 while carrying $25,000 in debt.

Within New Jersey, the picture becomes more nuanced. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, trailing elite options like Centenary ($44,312) and William Paterson ($42,492), but still landing above the state median. More importantly, NJCU delivers this performance with significantly lower debt than most state competitors—nearly $5,000 less than the NJ average. For families concerned about affordability, this combination matters: your child won't lead the pack in earnings, but they'll have far more financial breathing room than peers who borrowed heavily elsewhere.

For students interested in healthcare, research, or graduate school—common paths for biology majors—this program offers a cost-effective foundation without the financial burden that could complicate those next steps. The 11% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are finding their footing professionally, even if they're not immediately entering high-paying positions.