Biological and Physical Sciences at Triton College

Triton College graduates with this associate's degree see remarkable income growth—jumping from $29,069 to over $40,000 within four years—while carrying less debt than 95% of comparable programs nationwide. Among Illinois's 47 schools offering biological and physical sciences degrees, Triton ranks solidly in the middle for starting earnings but charges below-average debt, creating a favorable financial foundation for students planning to transfer to four-year programs or enter technical fields.

The $11,000 debt load means graduates owe just 38 cents for every dollar of first-year income, significantly better than the typical associate's degree burden. That 39% earnings jump suggests graduates are either advancing in their careers or using this degree as a stepping stone to higher credentials—both positive outcomes. While starting salaries trail top Illinois programs like College of Lake County by $8,000, Triton's lower debt partially offsets this gap, and many students here benefit from proximity and affordability that more distant community colleges can't match.

The moderate sample size means these figures represent real outcomes but could shift slightly with more data. For families seeking an affordable entry point into science fields—whether for laboratory tech positions or transfer pathways—this program delivers solid value without the debt burden that could complicate future education decisions.