Analysis
Stetson's biology program places graduates near the middle of Florida schools but well below the national pack, with first-year earnings of $26,006 falling short of both the state median ($27,034) and national median ($32,316). More concerning, the debt load of $26,457 exceeds typical Florida biology programs by about $4,700, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1—meaning graduates owe roughly what they earn in their first year.
The trajectory improves significantly over time, with earnings jumping 46% to reach $38,017 by year four. This growth pattern suggests many graduates initially take lab tech or research assistant positions before advancing to better-paying roles. However, even at that four-year mark, they're still playing catch-up compared to peers at schools like St. Petersburg College or Miami Dade College, where graduates earn those levels right out of the gate with considerably less debt.
The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means one or two outliers could significantly skew these figures. Given that caveat and Stetson's high tuition relative to Florida's strong public university options, parents should carefully weigh whether the private school experience justifies the financial gap. Biology graduates from Florida's public institutions are typically earning more with less debt from day one.
Where Stetson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stetson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson University | $26,006 | $38,017 | +46% |
| University of Florida-Online | $24,713 | $47,840 | +94% |
| University of Florida | $24,713 | $47,840 | +94% |
| Nova Southeastern University | $23,110 | $45,275 | +96% |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | $25,912 | $44,884 | +73% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stetson UniversityDeLand | $55,220 | $26,006 | $38,017 | $26,457 | 1.02 |
 St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg | $2,682 | $37,741 | — | $40,916 | 1.08 |
 Miami Dade CollegeMiami | $2,838 | $34,568 | — | $13,750 | 0.40 |
 Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale | $24,136 | $34,287 | — | $39,000 | 1.14 |
 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee | $5,785 | $34,012 | $42,723 | $28,125 | 0.83 |
 The University of TampaTampa | $33,424 | $32,909 | — | $26,000 | 0.79 |
| 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 Stetson University, approximately 35% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.