Biology at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg's biology program charges above-average debt ($27,000 versus $25,000 nationally) but delivers earnings that justify the investment. Starting at $37,665 and climbing to $51,755 by year four, graduates here earn substantially more than the typical biology major nationwide ($32,316) and outpace Pennsylvania's state median ($35,122) by over $2,500 annually. Among Pennsylvania's 85 biology programs, this ranks solidly at the 60th percentile—not elite, but firmly in the upper half.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 means graduates face less than nine months of their starting salary in debt, well below concerning thresholds. That 37% earnings growth suggests the program opens doors beyond typical lab tech positions that often trap biology graduates in low-wage work. For an 86% admission rate institution, these outcomes punch above weight class, particularly when you consider that elite programs like Lehigh ($45,695) come with significantly steeper price tags and admission barriers.

The moderate sample size means these numbers should be relatively stable, though families should verify current debt loads haven't crept higher. For parents worried about the biology major's reputation for poor returns, Shippensburg offers reassurance: manageable debt, strong earnings trajectory, and performance that beats most Pennsylvania competitors at a fraction of the selectivity.