Biology at University of Evansville

Based on comparable biology programs across Indiana, University of Evansville graduates can expect first-year earnings around $36,161—right at the state median but notably behind what nearby competitors achieve. Indiana State and Purdue biology graduates earn $43,656 and $40,145 respectively, creating a $4,000-7,500 annual earnings gap that compounds significantly over a career. The estimated debt load of $27,000 is modest enough that the 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, particularly compared to the national biology bachelor's median of $25,000. However, these figures come from peer programs statewide, not Evansville's actual outcomes, so you're making decisions with limited program-specific visibility.

The bigger concern is whether a biology bachelor's justifies the investment at all without graduate school plans. At $36,000 in first-year earnings, your child would take home roughly $2,600 monthly before loan payments. That's tight for someone potentially facing several more years of education to reach competitive biology career salaries. If medical school, research positions, or healthcare graduate programs are the goal, undergraduate prestige and preparation matter more than first-year earnings. But if your child plans to enter the workforce immediately, they'll be competing with Indiana State graduates who start $7,500 ahead—a meaningful difference when repaying loans and establishing financial independence.