Biology at Skidmore College

Skidmore's biology program produces first-year earnings of $39,235—substantially above both national and New York state medians—while keeping debt remarkably low at $14,600. That's nearly half the typical debt load for biology majors nationwide. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data, so treat them as promising but not definitive.

The 60th percentile ranking within New York is respectable but not exceptional, especially given Skidmore's 23% admission rate and selective student body. Biology graduates here earn less initially than peers from comparable liberal arts colleges like Hamilton ($43,639) or Barnard ($47,329), though the gap may narrow as careers progress. The debt advantage is real, though—you're looking at monthly loan payments roughly $100-150 lower than the national average.

For students planning medical school or graduate programs, the low debt burden creates valuable flexibility. For those entering the workforce directly, these earnings are solid but not spectacular for a selective private college. The program's value depends heavily on what comes next, which is typical for biology degrees everywhere. Just remember: with such a small cohort, next year's numbers could tell a different story.