Biology at The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa's biology program costs about $4,000 more in debt than the Florida median but delivers earnings that beat 60% of Florida biology programs—a meaningful advantage in a state where the typical biology graduate earns just $27,034. That $32,909 starting salary puts graduates nearly $6,000 ahead of the state median, though still trailing top performers like St. Petersburg College and Miami Dade College.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $26,000, translating to a 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, that's below the national debt median for biology programs, suggesting manageable monthly payments relative to starting income. Biology majors typically see their strongest earnings in healthcare or research roles rather than immediately after graduation, so these first-year numbers may understate long-term value—though parents should verify career placement rates in graduate programs or professional positions.

The real question is whether the private school premium justifies the extra cost compared to Florida's strong public alternatives. With just 16% of students receiving Pell grants, this campus serves predominantly higher-income families who may value the private university environment. If your student is committed to biology with plans for medical, dental, or graduate school, Tampa's outcomes are solid enough to not derail those plans. But families watching every dollar should compare closely with FAMU or the community college transfer pathway, both of which show competitive outcomes at lower cost.