Biology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst's biology program charges premium debt for middle-of-the-pack Massachusetts outcomes. While graduates land solidly above the national median for biology majors—earning roughly $8,000 more in their first year—they're performing right at the state median, trailing several cheaper Massachusetts public universities like UMass Lowell and Salem State by $5,000-10,000. Given that Massachusetts biology programs are among the strongest nationally, being average in this state still means outperforming 95% of biology programs nationwide, but context matters when you're paying flagship prices.

The debt load of $27,000 matches the state median exactly, though it's slightly elevated nationally. With a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically manage their loans, and the 37% earnings growth to year four shows decent career trajectory. However, for parents weighing options, this creates a question: if UMass Lowell biology grads are earning nearly $7,000 more four years out while likely paying lower tuition as a regional campus, what's the premium for?

The answer likely lies in UMass Amherst's research opportunities and name recognition, particularly for students pursuing graduate school. If your child is headed straight to work, though, several Massachusetts alternatives deliver stronger earnings. This isn't a bad program—it's well above national norms—but the in-state competition is fierce.