Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,988
67th percentile (60th in MD)
Median Debt
$21,875
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.63
Manageable
Sample Size
136
Adequate data

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

Towson UniversityOther biology programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Towson University$34,988$52,007$21,8750.63
University of Maryland Eastern Shore$37,244$41,730$27,0000.72
St. Mary's College of Maryland$36,331$47,734$20,6070.57
Salisbury University$35,876$44,922$23,2500.65
Loyola University Maryland$34,655$56,525$27,0000.78
Morgan State University$34,635$46,076$29,0000.84
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Maryland

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.