Analysis
Spelman's biology graduates start at just $21,638—below half the state median and in the bottom 5% nationally. That's a harsh beginning for a program carrying $26,502 in debt, especially when several public Georgia universities deliver $10,000 more in first-year earnings. Among Georgia biology programs, Spelman ranks only at the 25th percentile despite its selective 34% admission rate and strong academic profile.
The 67% earnings growth to $36,086 by year four tells a different story, suggesting many graduates pursue additional training or that their career trajectories simply take longer to materialize. This pattern is common for students headed to medical school, graduate programs, or research positions. However, that still leaves the four-year earnings barely above the national 75th percentile—respectable but not exceptional given the challenging start.
For a pre-med track or students planning graduate school, the low initial earnings may matter less than Spelman's strong academic community and advising. But families banking on immediate returns after a bachelor's degree should understand they're looking at years of below-market earnings while managing monthly loan payments. The numbers suggest this works best as a stepping stone to advanced degrees, not as a terminal credential for immediate employment.
Where Spelman College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Spelman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spelman College | $21,638 | $36,086 | +67% |
| Morehouse College | $19,679 | $71,611 | +264% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $19,167 | $54,251 | +183% |
| Augusta University | $28,978 | $49,385 | +70% |
| Gordon State College | $29,542 | $49,054 | +66% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spelman CollegeAtlanta | $30,058 | $21,638 | $36,086 | $26,502 | 1.22 |
 Middle Georgia State UniversityMacon | $4,432 | $35,281 | — | $29,220 | 0.83 |
 Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville | $8,998 | $32,550 | $39,150 | $25,000 | 0.77 |
 Clayton State UniversityMorrow | $5,068 | $31,665 | $47,292 | $31,500 | 0.99 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $31,530 | $48,140 | $26,205 | 0.83 |
 University of North GeorgiaDahlonega | $5,009 | $31,007 | $48,562 | $21,500 | 0.69 |
| 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 Spelman College, approximately 29% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.