Biology at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

The estimated debt load of $25,970 for Saint Mary's biology program sits right at the typical level for Minnesota biology graduates, but the estimated first-year earnings tell a more concerning story. Based on comparable programs across Minnesota, graduates can expect around $36,000 in their first year—which puts them near the state median but significantly trails stronger programs like Saint Cloud State ($44,166) and Metro State ($42,128). That initial earning power matters because with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, graduates would need to dedicate most of their first-year income just to retire this debt quickly.

The four-year earnings figure of $67,659 suggests meaningful income growth over time, nearly doubling from that estimated starting point. This trajectory isn't unusual for biology majors, who often need additional credentials or experience to access better-paying positions. However, parents should recognize that Saint Mary's lacks the specific outcome data to confirm whether its graduates actually follow this path—these estimates draw from peer programs statewide, not this institution's track record.

Given Saint Mary's 89% admission rate and the availability of stronger-performing biology programs at public universities in Minnesota, the value proposition here hinges entirely on factors this data can't capture: research opportunities, graduate school placement rates, or specific career advising. Without confirmed outcomes for Saint Mary's own biology graduates, you're betting on the school's intangibles rather than proven employment results.