Biology at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University's biology program commands a premium—$27,000 in median debt versus the state median of about $27,000—but the earnings tell a more complex story. At $47,799 in first-year earnings, graduates significantly outpace the national median ($32,316) and rank in the 95th percentile nationally. However, among Rhode Island's eight biology programs, this sits at only the 60th percentile, trailing URI by about $2,000. More concerning: four years out, earnings actually decline slightly to $47,162, suggesting graduates may face a ceiling in their initial career paths or that many pursue roles that don't offer typical progression.

The debt load itself is reasonable—the 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about seven months of salary, which is manageable. But parents should understand what they're paying for: entry-level results that are excellent nationally but middle-of-the-pack locally. Given the university's 88% admission rate and modest academic profile, you're not paying for exclusivity or elite credentials. You're paying for outcomes that beat most of the country but match what URI delivers at likely lower in-state tuition.

The flat earnings trajectory is the real question mark here. If your child plans to apply to medical or graduate school within a few years, the strong starting salary provides a solid foundation. But if they're heading straight into a biology career, this data suggests they may need to pivot or advance their credentials to see meaningful salary growth.