Biology at University of Illinois Springfield

UIS biology graduates face a challenging financial picture, though limited sample size makes these numbers less reliable. Starting at $34,000 and reaching $41,000 by year four, earnings here match the state median but trail programs at Governors State ($44,000) and Northeastern Illinois ($40,000) by substantial margins. The $22,000 debt load is lower than both state and national averages, which helps offset the modest earnings somewhat.

The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates do find their footing eventually, but the starting salary remains problematic—just barely exceeding Illinois's livable wage threshold for a single adult. Among Illinois's 50 biology programs, this sits squarely in the middle at the 60th percentile, neither particularly strong nor weak. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 is reasonable but not impressive given the relatively modest borrowing.

Biology degrees typically serve as stepping stones to graduate programs or healthcare careers rather than endpoints. If your child plans to pursue medical school, pharmacy, or similar paths, these undergraduate numbers matter less. But if they're counting on bachelor's-level biology employment, understand that even four years out, $41,000 represents a tight budget. The small sample size here is a legitimate concern—these numbers could shift significantly with a larger cohort. Consider whether other Illinois schools with stronger track records might offer better launching points for the same investment.