Biology at Texas Christian University

TCU's biology program produces strikingly low first-year earnings—$19,218 puts graduates in the bottom 10% statewide and bottom 5% nationally. To put that in perspective: biology grads from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor earn nearly double that amount, and even Texas State graduates start at $34,516. This isn't just below average; it's concerningly far below what biology majors at comparable Texas schools typically earn.

The $22,000 in debt is actually slightly below both state and national medians, but that's cold comfort when paired with earnings barely above $19,000. Many graduates are likely taking jobs that don't require a biology degree—lab technician positions, research assistant roles, or unrelated work—which explains why first-year earnings lag so dramatically. The school's low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests most students come from families who can absorb financial setbacks, but that doesn't make a 1.14 debt-to-earnings ratio acceptable for what should be a STEM degree with solid career prospects.

If your child is set on biology at TCU, have a serious conversation about post-graduation plans. Without immediate entry to medical school, a strong graduate program, or an exceptional job lined up, these numbers suggest they'll struggle financially in that first year. The biology programs at UT Austin, Texas A&M, or even regional schools like Texas State offer substantially better earnings outcomes at similar or lower debt levels.