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
Earnings Distribution
How Towson University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University | $34,988 | $52,007 | +49% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $30,325 | $57,608 | +90% |
| Loyola University Maryland | $34,655 | $56,525 | +63% |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $33,055 | $53,673 | +62% |
| Washington College | $34,553 | $49,287 | +43% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,306 | $34,988 | $52,007 | $21,875 | 0.63 | |
| $8,898 | $37,244 | $41,730 | $27,000 | 0.72 | |
| $15,236 | $36,331 | $47,734 | $20,607 | 0.57 | |
| $10,638 | $35,876 | $44,922 | $23,250 | 0.65 | |
| $55,480 | $34,655 | $56,525 | $27,000 | 0.78 | |
| $8,118 | $34,635 | $46,076 | $29,000 | 0.84 | |
| 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 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.