Biology at University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame's biology degree raises questions worth examining carefully, despite the university's prestige. With first-year earnings of $32,876 and $20,750 in debt, the financial picture looks reasonable at first glance. But here's what matters: this program ranks in just the 40th percentile among Indiana biology programs, meaning 60% of the state's biology degrees lead to better initial earnings. Purdue graduates start $7,000 higher, and even regional universities like University of Indianapolis outperform Notre Dame by nearly 20%. This is unusual for a school with a 12% admission rate and 1510 average SAT scores.

The strong 65% earnings growth to $54,374 by year four suggests graduates recover ground through medical school, research positions, or other advanced training. That trajectory makes sense for Notre Dame's academically elite student body. However, parents should recognize this program appears geared toward preparing students for further education rather than immediate career returns—a valid path, but one that requires additional investment beyond the bachelor's degree.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so it may not represent typical outcomes. Still, if your child plans to work immediately after graduation rather than pursue graduate studies, Indiana offers biology programs with stronger near-term earnings potential at lower costs. Notre Dame's value here hinges entirely on whether your family is prepared for the graduate school pathway these numbers suggest.