Biology at University of Charleston

University of Charleston's biology program lands in an unusual spot: below the national median by about $3,000, but comfortably above West Virginia's state median at the 60th percentile. For a state where biology programs tend to pay less than the national norm, this middle-tier performance might matter more than the national ranking suggests. The debt load of $24,125 is reasonable, translating to a 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio, though that first-year salary of $29,188 will make repayment tight during those initial years.

The real question is opportunity cost. Shepherd University's biology grads earn nearly $20,000 more right out of college—a significant gap that would compound over time. Even West Liberty comes in ahead. However, if Charleston offers better financial aid or your child has reasons to stay in Charleston specifically, the debt burden here is at least manageable compared to what biology majors typically face nationwide.

The caveat matters: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so a few high or low earners could skew the picture substantially. If your child is set on biology and considering in-state options, this program won't derail their financial future, but it's worth understanding why other West Virginia schools are producing higher-earning graduates. The answer to that question—whether it's location, connections to employers, or program focus—should drive your decision more than these numbers alone.