Biology at Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran's biology graduates start at $36,766—putting them above three-quarters of biology programs nationwide, yet landing in the middle tier among Washington state's 18 biology programs. The comparison tells an interesting story: PLU outperforms the national median by $4,450, but sits slightly below Washington's state median of $35,080. That difference matters locally, where graduates compete for the same entry-level lab tech, research assistant, and healthcare support roles as peers from UW's three campuses and Seattle University, who earn roughly $2,000 more annually.

The debt picture works in PLU's favor. At $22,626, graduates leave with less than both the national and state medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62. Combined with moderate earnings growth to $40,169 by year four, this represents a workable—if unspectacular—financial foundation for graduates, many of whom likely pursue graduate programs or healthcare careers where the bachelor's degree is just a stepping stone.

For Washington families weighing private college tuition against in-state public options, PLU's biology program delivers solid national standing but doesn't crack the top tier locally. If your student plans to stay in the Pacific Northwest job market, they'll be competing against UW graduates who edge ahead in starting salary. The program makes most sense for students valuing PLU's smaller campus environment who understand they're paying for the broader college experience rather than a standout earnings premium.