Biology at University of Memphis

University of Memphis biology graduates earn roughly the national median but outperform most Tennessee programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, notably ahead of schools like Rhodes College and UT-Chattanooga. With first-year earnings of $32,145 rising to nearly $40,000 by year four, the 24% growth trajectory suggests graduates are finding increasingly stable positions, likely in healthcare support roles, research, or moving into graduate programs that boost their earning potential.

The $25,000 debt load sits right at national norms for biology degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.8. This matters for a program serving a substantial population of Pell grant students (40% of the campus), where avoiding excessive debt is critical. Biology often serves as a stepping stone to medical school, graduate programs, or professional healthcare roles, so these early earnings should be viewed through that lens—many graduates may be in temporary positions while preparing for advanced degrees.

For Tennessee families comparing options, Memphis delivers middle-of-the-pack national results while beating the state median by over $4,700 in first-year earnings. That's a meaningful advantage if your child plans to work in-state after graduation. The program won't launch someone into immediate high earnings, but the debt burden is reasonable and the trajectory is upward—a solid foundation for biology students with clear post-graduation plans.