Biology at Rivier University

New Hampshire biology programs cluster around $42,000 in first-year earnings, and Rivier appears to land right at this state median based on comparable programs. With estimated debt of $27,000, graduates would face payments of roughly $300 monthly—manageable on an entry-level science salary, though not particularly comfortable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 suggests you'd be borrowing about eight months of income, which is reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree. What's worth noting is that similar programs at nearby public institutions like UNH and Keene State report actual outcomes in the $43,000-$45,000 range with comparable debt loads, providing some real-world validation of these estimates.

The challenge with biology degrees generally is that many graduates need additional credentials—whether a master's, professional degree, or certification—to access higher-paying careers. That $42,000 estimate reflects typical entry points: lab technicians, research assistants, quality control positions. If your child plans to stop at the bachelor's level, these figures represent the likely ceiling, at least initially. The national context reinforces this: even top-performing biology programs rarely crack $45,000 in year-one earnings at the bachelor's level.

For families comfortable with $27,000 in debt as a stepping stone—either to immediate employment in lab-based work or as preparation for graduate study—this appears financially viable. The uncertainty here stems entirely from small graduate cohorts, not program quality issues. Just recognize that biology's real earning potential often requires that next degree.