Biology at University of Louisville

University of Louisville biology graduates face a rocky start at just $27,123—well below both national and state medians—but then something interesting happens. By year four, earnings jump to $45,398, a 67% increase that puts this program's trajectory ahead of most competitors. That first year trails Northern Kentucky by nearly $12,000, but Louisville graduates who persist in science-related fields see meaningful income growth that narrows the gap considerably.

The $20,681 debt load is actually lower than both state and national medians, giving graduates breathing room during that challenging first year when the debt-to-earnings ratio sits at 0.76. The 40th percentile ranking within Kentucky suggests this program performs about average for the state, though the early earnings lag is real and families should plan accordingly. Many biology graduates pursue additional education or entry-level positions that depress initial earnings, which may explain the slow start followed by stronger mid-career numbers.

The value here depends entirely on what comes after graduation. If your student plans graduate school or needs time to break into competitive science fields, the manageable debt helps weather that period. But if they need immediate earning power, programs like Northern Kentucky's offer a significantly stronger financial foundation from day one.