Biology at Stockton University

Stockton's biology program starts slowly but builds momentum in ways that matter for career development. While first-year earnings of $30,447 fall below both state and national medians, by year four graduates reach $47,590—outpacing the typical biology grad's trajectory by a significant margin. That 56% earnings growth suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-skilled positions, whether in healthcare, research, or other science fields that require time to break into.

The debt picture here is actually favorable: $21,770 is roughly $3,000 below both state and NJ averages for biology programs. That translates to a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. Combined with the program's strong upward trajectory, the financial foundation is solid. Among New Jersey's 26 biology programs, Stockton sits right at the median for starting pay, but that four-year number tells a different story about long-term outcomes.

For families looking at biology programs, the key question is whether your student can weather that first year or two of modest earnings while building toward better opportunities. If they're willing to start in lab tech or entry-level clinical roles before advancing, Stockton's combination of manageable debt and strong growth makes it a reasonable choice—particularly compared to pricier New Jersey alternatives that don't guarantee better returns.