Biology at University of Mary Washington

University of Mary Washington's biology program shows exactly what anxious parents should look for: strong earnings growth that transforms initially modest outcomes into solid returns. That first-year salary of $35,194 jumps 54% to $54,144 by year four—outpacing both Virginia's median ($32,457) and the national figure ($32,316) by a comfortable margin.

The 60th percentile ranking among Virginia's 38 biology programs tells a reassuring story about value. You're paying less in debt ($22,567 versus the state median of $25,485) while your graduate earns more within their first year. Yes, elite programs like Virginia Military Institute report higher initial earnings, but they also typically come with steeper price tags. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means your child could reasonably pay off loans within a couple years of graduation if they prioritize it.

The trajectory here matters more than the starting point. Many biology graduates pursue additional education or accept lower-paying research positions initially, then move into better-compensated roles. This earnings curve suggests UMW grads are successfully making that transition, likely into pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare positions that value the degree. For a school with an 86% admission rate, delivering above-median outcomes in both earnings and manageable debt makes this a sensible choice for students interested in biological sciences.