Biology at Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene biology graduates start at $33,875—slightly above both Idaho's median ($31,668) and the national average ($32,316), ranking in the 60th percentile for the state. That's respectable positioning, though it trails the University of Idaho and Boise State by $5,000-6,000 annually. The debt load of $24,406 is actually lower than the national median ($25,000), resulting in a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates could reasonably pay down within a few years.

The catch here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. A few students landing research positions or heading straight to graduate school could inflate the average, while a few taking gap years or non-science jobs could deflate it. For context, this is a moderately selective private Christian university where nearly a third of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves a mix of economic backgrounds.

For parents, the straightforward calculation works: your child would graduate with below-average debt and slightly above-average earnings for a biology degree. If they're planning on medical school, graduate research, or other advanced credentials—common paths for biology majors—the manageable debt load is an advantage. Just recognize these specific numbers represent a small group and may not perfectly predict your student's outcome.