Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Dayton

University of Dayton's biology program carries an unusual disclaimer: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers may not represent typical outcomes. That said, the $23,609 first-year salary is striking—it falls in just the 11th percentile nationally for this degree, meaning nearly 9 out of 10 comparable programs produce better initial earnings. The roughly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates start with nearly a full year's salary in loans, creating immediate financial pressure.

The state perspective offers a curious wrinkle. Among Ohio's 11 schools offering this program, Dayton actually sits at the median for both earnings and debt, hitting the 60th percentile statewide. This suggests the problem isn't unique to Dayton—it may reflect Ohio's job market for early-career biology graduates or the types of entry positions these students pursue. Students likely need graduate degrees for better-paying roles in this field, which explains why many biology majors view the bachelor's as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential.

For families considering this program, the small sample size means you're essentially making decisions on incomplete information. If your student is headed to graduate school and views this as pre-professional training, that's one calculation. But if they're counting on the bachelor's degree to launch a career, they should understand they'll likely start below $25,000 annually while carrying $23,000 in debt—and that this pattern appears consistent across Ohio schools, not just at Dayton.