Biology at University of Michigan-Dearborn

UM-Dearborn's biology program starts rough but transforms dramatically—first-year earnings of just $20,671 jump to nearly $50,000 by year four, a 141% increase that's among the strongest growth trajectories in Michigan. This suggests many graduates initially take research assistant, lab tech, or post-bac positions before moving into higher-paying roles or completing professional school prerequisites. At the 25th percentile for Michigan biology programs, though, it's worth noting that several in-state alternatives deliver stronger immediate returns: Grand Valley graduates earn $41,000 within a year, while Madonna tops $46,000.

The $23,836 debt load is reasonable—below Michigan's $26,000 median for biology majors and manageable even against that difficult first year. The key question is whether your student has a clear path through those early low-earning years, whether through parental support, part-time work, or graduate school enrollment. Four years out, graduates are earning competitively, but that initial struggle is real.

For pre-med or pre-PhD students with financial backing through the transition years, this works. For students needing immediate income after graduation, the other Michigan programs offer a smoother earnings trajectory from day one. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) makes these numbers reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary.