Biology at St. John's University-New York

St. John's biology graduates face a difficult first year, earning just $23,473—far below both the national and New York state medians of roughly $32,000. At the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile in New York, these are among the weakest initial outcomes you'll find for a biology degree. The $25,023 in typical debt exceeds that first year's entire salary, creating immediate financial pressure that most biology programs don't impose.

The dramatic turnaround by year four tells a different story. Earnings jump to $56,100, well above both state and national benchmarks, suggesting many graduates eventually find their footing—likely through graduate programs, medical school prerequisites, or career pivots that take time to materialize. This 139% growth rate is impressive, but it requires surviving those lean early years when loan payments begin.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your child can weather 2-3 years of below-minimum-wage equivalent earnings while building toward better opportunities. If they're planning graduate school or medical school anyway, the initial salary matters less. But if they're hoping to launch a career immediately after graduation with just a bachelor's degree, St. John's biology program creates a challenging financial runway compared to CUNY schools or even less selective NY institutions that show stronger year-one placement.