Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,916
66th percentile
Median Debt
$19,250
7% below national median

Analysis

University of Houston graduates with biotechnology degrees see their earnings jump 27% within four years—from roughly $50,000 to nearly $64,000—a trajectory that outpaces typical career progression in this field. At $19,250 in median debt, students are borrowing about 39% of their first-year salary, which is manageable by most standards and actually below the national median for biotech programs. While the moderate sample size suggests some caution in interpreting these figures, the pattern is encouraging.

The program holds its own in both state and national comparisons, landing at the 60th percentile among Texas biotechnology programs and 66th percentile nationally. With only four schools in Texas offering this degree, the state comparison is limited, but matching the state median while serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients (41%) suggests the program provides solid value for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The relatively accessible admission standards (70% acceptance rate) mean this opportunity isn't reserved for elite academic performers.

For families weighing this option, the combination of reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice. The four-year earnings figure suggests graduates who stick with the field find increasing value in their credentials, which matters more than hitting a high number right out of the gate.

Where University of Houston Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biotechnology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Houston$49,916$63,591+27%
University of California-Davis$59,156$75,451+28%
Endicott College$34,308$73,642+115%
Worcester State University$70,124$71,966+3%
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona$60,697$70,089+15%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Biotechnology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$49,916$63,591$19,2500.39
Worcester State UniversityWorcester$11,286$70,124$71,966$22,0560.31
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$60,697$70,089$18,5000.30
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$59,156$75,451$11,9850.20
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$56,509$26,6860.47
Utah Valley UniversityOrem$6,270$52,118$61,720$16,5000.32
National Median$47,016$20,6180.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with biotechnology graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Houston, approximately 41% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 75 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.