Analysis
Stonehill College's biology program commands a significant premium over typical outcomes—graduates earn nearly 43% more than the national median for biology majors their first year out. The $27,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.59, well below concerning thresholds. Strong earning momentum continues through year four, reaching $58,080.
The Massachusetts context matters here. While Stonehill ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it places at the 60th percentile among Bay State biology programs—solid but not elite in a competitive local market. It outpaces UMass-Lowell and Salem State but trails Worcester Polytechnic by a notable margin. Given that many students attend college close to home, parents should know this program performs well but isn't the state's strongest option for biology majors.
The combination of low debt and above-average earnings makes this a financially sound choice. For families prioritizing a smaller liberal arts environment with strong science outcomes and reasonable borrowing, Stonehill delivers clear value. Just understand you're paying for a quality program in an expensive state where several alternatives offer comparable or slightly better early-career returns.
Where Stonehill College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stonehill College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stonehill College | $46,088 | $58,080 | +26% |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $45,494 | $73,280 | +61% |
| Northeastern University | $45,494 | $73,280 | +61% |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $51,711 | $71,939 | +39% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $43,276 | $67,624 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stonehill CollegeEaston | $54,500 | $46,088 | $58,080 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester | $59,070 | $51,711 | $71,939 | $26,999 | 0.52 |
 Curry CollegeMilton | $46,220 | $46,736 | — | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell | $16,570 | $46,526 | $66,988 | $26,747 | 0.57 |
 Salem State UniversitySalem | $11,978 | $45,670 | $59,961 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
 Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $45,494 | $73,280 | $25,000 | 0.55 |
| 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 Stonehill College, approximately 15% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.