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
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Texas | $32,782 | $47,242 | +44% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $31,832 | $54,042 | +70% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $29,028 | $53,216 | +83% |
| Texas Woman's University | $31,367 | $52,586 | +68% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $26,029 | $50,623 | +94% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (70 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,164 | $32,782 | $47,242 | $24,000 | 0.73 | |
| $64,460 | $39,087 | $44,885 | $22,125 | 0.57 | |
| $33,150 | $36,637 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 | |
| $7,746 | $35,591 | $50,154 | $19,953 | 0.56 | |
| $11,450 | $34,516 | $46,634 | $24,000 | 0.70 | |
| $51,384 | $33,597 | $49,126 | $26,000 | 0.77 | |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.