Biological and Physical Sciences at Parkland College

Parkland College's Biological and Physical Sciences associate's degree shows promising earnings growth, with graduates seeing their income jump from $26,547 to $38,633 over four years—a 46% increase that's impressive for a two-year program. The $8,628 in median debt means students start with a debt burden of just one-third of their first-year salary, which is manageable and pays down faster as earnings climb. Among Illinois programs in this field, Parkland ranks in the 60th percentile, putting it slightly above the state median.

However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, and they may not represent what every student experiences. The first-year earnings are modest, even if they grow substantially later, which matters if graduates need to start repaying loans immediately. Looking at top performers in Illinois—where programs like College of Lake County produce graduates earning $37,724 right out of the gate—Parkland's initial outcomes are noticeably lower.

For parents, this program works best if it's a stepping stone: the low debt and strong earnings trajectory suggest students who continue their education or enter fields where experience matters will see good returns. If your child plans to stop at the associate's level and needs strong immediate earnings, investigate where these graduates actually land and whether those $38,633 four-year earnings are typical.