Biology at University of North Texas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UNT's biology program demonstrates unusual momentum for a bachelor's degree, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 44% between years one and four—substantially outpacing the typical biology trajectory. That $47,242 four-year mark puts graduates well ahead of both the national median ($32,316) and Texas state average ($30,432), ranking this program in the 60th percentile among Texas biology programs. This growth pattern suggests graduates are successfully transitioning from entry-level lab positions into more specialized roles or graduate programs that pay dividends relatively quickly.
The $24,000 median debt sits right at the national norm and slightly above the Texas average, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. While the first-year earnings of $32,782 aren't remarkable, they're competitive with most Texas biology programs—only private universities like SMU and smaller specialized schools show significantly higher starting figures. The strong earnings trajectory matters more here than the starting point.
For parents concerned about biology's reputation for requiring graduate school to earn decent money, UNT's data offers reassurance. The robust sample size confirms these aren't flukes, and the combination of reasonable debt with accelerating earnings creates a solid foundation—whether graduates pursue immediate careers or use those earnings to fund further education. At 72% admission rate, this represents an accessible path to above-average outcomes in a crowded field.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of North Texas graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 53th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $32,782 | $47,242 | $24,000 | 0.73 |
| Southern Methodist University | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | $36,637 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 |
| Texas State University | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 |
| Saint Edward's University | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University Dallas | $64,460 | $39,087 | $22,125 |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton | $33,150 | $36,637 | $27,000 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston | $7,746 | $35,591 | $19,953 |
| Texas State University San Marcos | $11,450 | $34,516 | $24,000 |
| Saint Edward's University Austin | $51,384 | $33,597 | $26,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of North Texas, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 316 graduates with reported earnings and 401 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.