Biology at Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College biology graduates see something unusual: their earnings jump 55% between years one and four, climbing from $39,910 to $62,028. That trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary suggests, and it puts this program in the 94th percentile nationally—well above the $32,316 national median. Among Rhode Island's eight biology programs, this lands at the 60th percentile, which means you're paying significantly less tuition than private alternatives like Roger Williams ($47,799 starting salary) while ending up in similar territory by year four.

The $26,949 debt load is reasonable for the earning power, translating to a 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio that's better than three-quarters of biology programs nationwide. This matters for a pre-med heavy major where many students continue to graduate school. The moderate sample size suggests steady program performance rather than outlier results.

For families weighing Rhode Island College against URI or private schools, the value calculation is straightforward: you're getting nationally competitive outcomes at a fraction of the cost. The strong earnings growth indicates that whatever additional opportunities private schools might offer, RIC biology graduates are finding their way to well-paying positions, whether in healthcare, research, or other fields. The accessible admissions and 41% Pell grant population also mean your child will study alongside motivated students from diverse backgrounds.