Biology at University of Mount Saint Vincent

Mount Saint Vincent's biology graduates earn about $3,000 more than the typical biology major nationally and $2,700 more than the New York state median—a solid if unspectacular premium for a field where first-year earnings cluster tightly. Among New York's 92 biology programs, this places in the 60th percentile, though you'll want to note the caveat: fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample.

The debt load of $25,738 sits right at the national median for biology programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. That's not the strongest position for a science degree—biology majors often need graduate training to reach higher earning potential—but it's workable for graduates who plan strategically. The school serves a substantial population of lower-income students (43% receive Pell grants), and for families in that position, the combination of reasonable debt and slightly above-average earnings creates a viable pathway into science fields.

The real question is trajectory. Biology bachelor's degrees typically require additional education for most lucrative career paths, so these first-year numbers matter less than whether graduates successfully advance to medical school, graduate programs, or specialized positions. For a family weighing this against other New York options, Mount Saint Vincent offers middle-of-the-pack outcomes at a moderate cost—adequate for students with clear post-graduation plans, but unlikely to open doors on the degree alone.