Biology at Towson University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Towson's biology program stands out for its remarkable earnings trajectory—graduates see their income jump nearly 50% by year four, reaching $52,007. That's the kind of career momentum that matters when you're evaluating a science degree that often serves as a launching pad for advanced training or professional school.
The numbers paint a solid middle-of-the-pack picture for Maryland. At 60th percentile statewide, Towson trails schools like UMBC and St. Mary's in initial placement but beats most competitors on debt load. With borrowers owing just $21,875—well below both state and national medians—the financial pressure is manageable even during that modest first-year salary of $34,988. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 means most graduates can handle their payments while building toward better opportunities.
This program works best for students who understand that biology bachelor's degrees typically require patience. The first year often means lab tech positions or entry-level healthcare roles, but the 49% earnings growth suggests graduates either advance within their organizations or successfully leverage their degree into graduate programs or professional schools. For families worried about debt, Towson delivers a biology education at a reasonable price, though your child should enter with realistic expectations about that initial salary period.
Where Towson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Towson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Towson University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University | $34,988 | $52,007 | $21,875 | 0.63 |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | $37,244 | $41,730 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | $36,331 | $47,734 | $20,607 | 0.57 |
| Salisbury University | $35,876 | $44,922 | $23,250 | 0.65 |
| Loyola University Maryland | $34,655 | $56,525 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Morgan State University | $34,635 | $46,076 | $29,000 | 0.84 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne | $8,898 | $37,244 | $27,000 |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City | $15,236 | $36,331 | $20,607 |
| Salisbury University Salisbury | $10,638 | $35,876 | $23,250 |
| Loyola University Maryland Baltimore | $55,480 | $34,655 | $27,000 |
| Morgan State University Baltimore | $8,118 | $34,635 | $29,000 |
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 Towson University, approximately 33% 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 136 graduates with reported earnings and 181 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.