Biology at University of Kansas

KU's biology program starts its graduates at a competitive salary but truly distinguishes itself with what happens next: a 36% earnings jump by year four brings median pay to $49,093, well above where most biology majors land. That trajectory matters enormously, because the typical biology bachelor's degree is notorious for low initial earnings that don't improve much over time. Here, students are breaking through that ceiling.

The $22,000 debt load sits slightly below both state and national medians for biology programs, while first-year earnings exceed 75% of biology programs nationwide. Among Kansas schools offering biology degrees, KU ranks solidly in the middle—Cleveland University and Fort Hays State edge ahead on initial earnings, but KU's momentum by year four suggests stronger career positioning. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 means graduates can realistically manage their loans even in that lower-earning first year.

For Kansas families, this program offers clear in-state value: reliable outcomes at an accessible flagship with an 88% admission rate. Biology majors often need graduate school to reach their career goals, and starting with manageable debt while building toward $49,000 keeps those options open. This isn't a get-rich-quick degree, but it's a stable foundation that actually accelerates rather than stalls out.