Biology at Saint Norbert College

Saint Norbert's biology program trails most Wisconsin competitors out of the gate, with first-year earnings around $31,700—about $4,000 below the state median and $11,000 behind what graduates earn at nearby Carroll University. The program ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide, meaning six out of ten Wisconsin biology programs deliver better starting outcomes. While the debt load of $25,250 sits near typical levels, it represents nearly 80% of first-year earnings, creating a tighter financial margin than families might expect from a private college investment.

The upside emerges in the trajectory: earnings jump 50% by year four to $47,500, which represents solid career momentum. However, this growth pattern appears to be catching up rather than pulling ahead—graduates are moving from below-average to roughly middle-of-the-pack compared to peers. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these outcomes are fairly representative, though not definitive.

For families choosing between Wisconsin biology programs, Saint Norbert presents a question: is the college experience worth accepting weaker starting earnings than you'd see at comparable schools like Carroll or even public universities like UW-Oshkosh? The eventual salary growth helps, but those first lean years—when loan payments hit hardest—matter considerably. If your student is committed to graduate school anyway (where those early earnings matter less), the calculation shifts. But for direct entry to the workforce, stronger-performing Wisconsin programs deserve serious consideration.