Analysis
The standout feature of Siena's biology program isn't the modest first-year salary—it's what happens next. Graduates see their earnings more than double from year one to year four, jumping from $33,416 to $72,370. This 117% growth rate suggests many graduates are entering professional or graduate school pathways (medicine, research, advanced healthcare roles) where earnings accelerate sharply once training is complete. Among New York biology programs, Siena ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it solidly in the middle of the pack but well ahead of the state median.
The debt picture reinforces the value case. At $27,000, Siena graduates carry just slightly more than the national median but face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 based on first-year income—and that ratio becomes negligible against the four-year earnings figure. This is particularly notable for biology, where many graduates delay full earning potential while completing advanced degrees.
For parents weighing this program: the initial salary may look underwhelming, but the trajectory tells a different story. If your child is serious about pursuing medicine, research, or other advanced healthcare fields, Siena's biology program appears to provide solid preparation without crushing debt. The key question is whether they're committed to the additional training these pathways typically require.
Where Siena College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Siena College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siena College | $33,416 | $72,370 | +117% |
| Yeshiva University | $21,104 | $77,314 | +266% |
| Marist University | $30,737 | $74,782 | +143% |
| CUNY Hunter College | $30,257 | $70,124 | +132% |
| New York Institute of Technology | $20,883 | $69,849 | +234% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (92 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Siena CollegeLoudonville | $44,405 | $33,416 | $72,370 | $27,000 | 0.81 |
 Barnard CollegeNew York | $66,246 | $47,329 | — | $16,635 | 0.35 |
 Hamilton CollegeClinton | $65,740 | $43,639 | — | $17,000 | 0.39 |
 The College of Saint RoseAlbany | $37,452 | $41,068 | $53,389 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York | $69,045 | $40,935 | $62,588 | $19,892 | 0.49 |
 CUNY Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn | $7,352 | $39,810 | $49,396 | $13,980 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $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 Siena College, approximately 23% 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 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.