Biology at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Biology graduates from UC Denver/Anschutz start modestly at $34,562, but they experience something many biology programs can't deliver: dramatic earnings growth. By year four, median salaries jump to $52,543—a 52% increase that far outpaces the typical biology career trajectory. This suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying positions, likely leveraging the school's medical campus connections or moving into healthcare-adjacent roles where biology degrees command higher salaries.

The numbers reveal an interesting positioning within Colorado. While UC Denver ranks in the middle of the pack initially—behind Metro State Denver and CSU Pueblo—the strong year-four earnings tell a different story about long-term value. Debt loads are reasonable at $22,750, below both state and national medians, resulting in a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that becomes increasingly favorable as careers progress.

For parents, this program represents a calculated investment rather than immediate payoff. Your child will likely start in a lower-paying entry position, which is common for biology majors, but the trajectory suggests real career progression. If your student is willing to be strategic about their next steps after graduation—pursuing additional credentials, networking within Denver's health sector, or targeting growth-oriented positions—this program provides a solid foundation at a manageable cost.