Biology at University of Detroit Mercy

The earnings trajectory here tells two very different stories. That first-year figure of $19,882 is shockingly low—fifth percentile nationally means 95% of biology programs see better immediate outcomes. Even within Michigan, where biology graduates generally earn less than the national average, this program sits at just the 25th percentile. But then something dramatic happens: by year four, earnings jump to $95,564, a nearly fivefold increase that vastly outpaces typical biology career progression.

This pattern suggests many graduates are pursuing additional education—likely medical, dental, or graduate school—before entering higher-paying fields. The $21,500 debt load is reasonable and below both state and national medians, which matters when students face years of additional schooling. The question is whether your child plans that path and can manage potentially five or more years of limited earnings while building credentials.

If your student is targeting healthcare or research careers requiring advanced degrees, this could work—the debt is manageable and the long-term outcome is strong. But if they're hoping to start earning right after graduation, those first-year numbers are a serious problem. Biology majors at nearby Grand Valley State or Western Michigan start at double these earnings. This program makes sense primarily as a pre-professional track, not as a terminal bachelor's degree.