Biology at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Biology graduates from Pittsburgh-Bradford start modestly at $33,576—slightly above the national median but trailing Pennsylvania's state median by about $1,500. The real story emerges four years out: earnings jump 49% to reach $50,041, a trajectory that surpasses most Pennsylvania biology programs by a significant margin. With manageable debt of $25,000 (matching national benchmarks and below the state median), graduates face a reasonable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves dramatically as their careers accelerate.

The 40th percentile ranking within Pennsylvania initially looks underwhelming, but that metric only captures first-year earnings. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms this isn't a statistical fluke—these alumni are genuinely advancing in their careers faster than the typical biology graduate. While they won't match the immediate earning power of Lehigh or Holy Family grads, the growth curve suggests they're building valuable skills and connections that translate to career progression.

For families concerned about biology's reputation as a tough path to employment, this program demonstrates that the degree can lead somewhere tangible. The combination of accessible admission standards (91% acceptance rate), substantial Pell Grant enrollment (46%), reasonable debt burden, and strong mid-career earnings makes this a pragmatic choice for students who need time to develop professionally after graduation.