Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,450
Est. from CT median (15 programs)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

A biology degree that costs $27,000 and leads to estimated first-year earnings of $37,450—roughly the state average—creates a manageable financial starting point, though the path forward matters considerably. Similar programs in Connecticut suggest graduates begin earning near the state median for biology majors, which itself sits above the national benchmark. The debt load ranks exceptionally low nationally (5th percentile), meaning students here borrow less than 95% of biology programs nationwide.

The real story emerges by year four, when reported earnings jump to nearly $60,000—a significant increase that suggests many graduates either pursue additional credentials or move into better-paying positions after gaining experience. This trajectory is common in biology, where entry-level lab or research assistant roles often give way to specialized positions, though it does mean planning for several lean early years. Comparable Connecticut programs show a wide range, from Trinity's $52,000 first-year mark down to the high $30,000s, with University of Bridgeport tracking closer to the middle-to-lower tier.

The combination of below-average debt and a clear earnings progression makes this financially viable, but parents should recognize their child will likely need financial support or supplemental income during those first few years. If graduate school is part of the plan—as it is for many biology majors heading toward research or healthcare—keeping undergraduate debt this low becomes particularly strategic.

Where University of Bridgeport Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Bridgeport$59,936
Quinnipiac University$44,657$56,734+27%
University of Connecticut$33,189$56,494+70%
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$33,189$56,494+70%
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$33,189$56,494+70%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (21 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of BridgeportBridgeport$35,760$37,450*$59,936$27,000
Trinity CollegeHartford$67,420$52,179*$26,1900.50
Quinnipiac UniversityHamden$53,090$44,657*$56,734$27,0000.60
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$41,973*$51,529$24,7700.59
Connecticut CollegeNew London$64,812$41,067*$51,800$23,0450.56
Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic$13,292$39,977*$53,040$25,4480.64
National Median$32,316*$25,0000.77
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

$100,590/yrJobs growth:Doctoral or professional degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Forensic Science Technicians

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

$67,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

$52,000/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

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 University of Bridgeport, approximately 52% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 15 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.