Biology at Swarthmore College

Swarthmore's biology program produces first-year earnings of $41,122—remarkable when you consider the national median for biology bachelor's degrees is just $32,316. This puts graduates at the 95th percentile nationally, outearning three-quarters of biology programs across the country by more than $5,000. But here's the puzzling part: within Pennsylvania, those same earnings only reach the 60th percentile, trailing programs at schools like Lehigh and Holy Family that report first-year outcomes above $44,000.

The estimated $27,000 in debt—derived from state medians since this specific program's cohort was too small to report—creates a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's essentially two-thirds of a year's salary, which biology graduates could reasonably pay down within standard repayment timelines. Given Swarthmore's 7% admission rate and 1527 average SAT, families are paying for elite academic credentials, not just career preparation.

The real question is whether Swarthmore's prestige translates into stronger long-term trajectories for biology graduates, since the first-year numbers don't show an obvious premium over less selective Pennsylvania institutions. For families who can manage the debt load, the program's national standing suggests solid fundamentals, but the lack of a clear Pennsylvania advantage means you're betting on network effects and graduate school placement rather than immediate earning power.