Biology at Portland State University

Portland State's biology graduates start below both state and national benchmarks, but their earnings trajectory tells a more optimistic story. While first-year earnings of $29,468 lag behind Oregon's $31,000 median, the 48% income growth by year four pushes earnings to $43,525—well above what graduates at top Oregon programs like Linfield or U of O typically see four years out. This suggests PSU biology grads may be finding their footing in research roles, medical school preparation, or technical positions that reward experience.

The debt burden of $25,750 is essentially average for biology degrees nationally and in Oregon, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio below 1.0. For a program serving 40% Pell Grant students at a highly accessible institution, these outcomes represent a reasonable pathway into science careers. The gap between PSU and higher-ranked Oregon programs narrows significantly over time, which matters more for long-term career prospects than first-job salary.

The key consideration: your student needs realistic expectations about starting salaries and patience for the earnings ramp-up. If they're planning for medical school or graduate studies (where this pattern is common), the trajectory makes sense. For those seeking immediate earning power after a bachelor's degree, the initial years will require financial planning around that sub-$30,000 starting point. The strong growth potential and moderate debt make this viable for students committed to biology, but not if they're expecting quick returns.