Biology at St. Mary's University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How St. Mary's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
St. Mary's University graduates earn $20k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's University | $20,104 | $44,946 | $27,000 | 1.34 |
| Southern Methodist University | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | $36,637 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 |
| Texas State University | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 |
| Saint Edward's University | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $39,087 | $22,125 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton | $33,150 | $36,637 | $27,000 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $35,591 | $19,953 |
| Texas State University San Marcos | $11,450 | $34,516 | $24,000 |
| Saint Edward's University Austin | $51,384 | $33,597 | $26,000 |
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.