Analysis
Sacred Heart's biology program starts graduates at $37,450βnot spectacular, but tracking right with the Connecticut median and notably above the national benchmark. What's more compelling is the trajectory: earnings jump 41% by year four to $52,614, ultimately matching what Trinity College biology graduates earn straight out of college. That kind of growth suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles or advancing in clinical settings.
The $23,250 debt load sits comfortably below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.62 ratio to first-year earnings. While your child won't immediately out-earn peers from Connecticut's top programs, the four-year picture shows them catching up substantially. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent a meaningful track record, not a handful of outliers.
For a biology degreeβoften a stepping stone to graduate programs or healthcare careersβthis pattern makes sense. Your child gets solid foundational credentials without excessive debt, leaving financial flexibility for whatever comes next, whether that's medical school applications or building experience in research or clinical work. The steady earnings growth suggests employers value these graduates increasingly over time.
Where Sacred Heart University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sacred Heart University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart University | $37,450 | $52,614 | +40% |
| Quinnipiac University | $44,657 | $56,734 | +27% |
| University of Connecticut | $33,189 | $56,494 | +70% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $33,189 | $56,494 | +70% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $33,189 | $56,494 | +70% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (21 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,460 | $37,450 | $52,614 | $23,250 | 0.62 | |
| $67,420 | $52,179 | β | $26,190 | 0.50 | |
| $53,090 | $44,657 | $56,734 | $27,000 | 0.60 | |
| $12,828 | $41,973 | $51,529 | $24,770 | 0.59 | |
| $64,812 | $41,067 | $51,800 | $23,045 | 0.56 | |
| $13,292 | $39,977 | $53,040 | $25,448 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | β | $32,316 | β | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sacred Heart University, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.