Analysis
St. Mary's biology program shows troubling first-year outcomes but an unusual recovery pattern that demands careful scrutiny. With graduates earning just $20,104 one year out—ranking in the bottom 10th percentile among Texas biology programs—many students appear to be working part-time or service jobs initially. The $27,000 in debt means new graduates face payments on earnings well below poverty level.
The dramatic jump to $44,946 by year four suggests students eventually find their footing, possibly after gaining additional credentials or experience. However, even after this recovery, earnings remain $10,000 below what graduates make at nearby UT Austin or Texas State immediately after graduation. Among the 70 Texas schools offering biology degrees, St. Mary's consistently ranks near the bottom for initial outcomes.
The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it statistically unreliable. A few students in graduate school or taking gap years could skew the numbers dramatically. If your child is considering this program, insist on meeting with career services to understand typical post-graduation paths. Ask specifically what percentage of graduates continue to medical or graduate school versus enter the workforce, because the stark first-year numbers suggest this degree alone isn't providing a clear path to stable employment.
Where St. Mary's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How St. Mary's University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's University | $20,104 | $44,946 | +124% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $31,832 | $54,042 | +70% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $29,028 | $53,216 | +83% |
| Texas Woman's University | $31,367 | $52,586 | +68% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $26,029 | $50,623 | +94% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 St. Mary's UniversitySan Antonio | $36,242 | $20,104 | $44,946 | $27,000 | 1.34 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 |
 University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton | $33,150 | $36,637 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 |
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 |
 Saint Edward's UniversityAustin | $51,384 | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| 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 St. Mary's University, approximately 42% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.