Biology at University of Arizona

University of Arizona biology graduates earn $37,020 in their first year—beating both Arizona's median for the program ($34,206) and the national benchmark ($32,316) by comfortable margins. That 79th percentile national ranking is particularly impressive for a program with an 86% admission rate, suggesting strong career preparation despite relatively broad access. The 20% earnings growth to $44,256 by year four shows a healthy trajectory that outpaces inflation and positions graduates well for graduate school applications or career advancement.

The $23,500 in median debt translates to manageable monthly payments of roughly $260 over ten years, representing about 8% of first-year gross income. While Arizona's state median debt is slightly lower at $21,250, the earnings premium here justifies the modest difference. Biology typically serves as a stepping stone—whether to medical school, research positions, or other graduate programs—so the relatively affordable debt load matters more than the raw starting salary.

For parents concerned about return on investment, this ranks among the stronger biology programs in Arizona while remaining financially accessible. The combination of above-average earnings, reasonable debt, and steady growth makes this a solid choice for students serious about health sciences or research careers, particularly compared to pricier alternatives that don't deliver meaningfully better outcomes.