Biology at Rider University

Rider's biology program posts some of the strongest numbers in New Jersey, landing in the 80th percentile statewide and 95th percentile nationally—well above typical biology outcomes. At $41,181 in year one, graduates start earning about $9,000 more than the state median for biology majors, a meaningful gap that widens to $55,766 by year four. The 35% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are finding career traction rather than plateauing in entry-level lab positions.

The debt picture enhances this program's appeal: at $26,977, borrowing sits below the national median for biology programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that's quite manageable. Compare this to the typical biology graduate who faces a similar debt load but starts at $32,000—Rider students are clearing that hurdle with a substantial cushion.

The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported, so these outcomes could shift as more data comes in. That said, the numbers would need to drop considerably before this program stops looking like a solid choice. For a biology degree from a school with a 79% admission rate, these results punch well above their weight class, suggesting strong pre-med advising, industry connections, or graduate school placement that translates into real career advantages.