Biology at University of Portland

University of Portland's biology program starts graduates at just $26,340—well below both Oregon's median of $31,000 and the national average of $32,316. That's roughly $10,000 less than nearby Pacific University and $16,000 behind Linfield. While the program lands at the 40th percentile among Oregon schools, this middle-of-the-pack positioning is deceptive when top state programs offer substantially better immediate outcomes.

The concerning first-year figure does improve dramatically, with earnings jumping 56% to $41,041 by year four. This growth trajectory suggests many graduates need time to transition into career-track positions, possibly pursuing graduate school or completing additional certifications. The debt load of $22,846 is actually below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.87 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the weak starting salary.

For families considering this $22,846 investment, the question becomes whether delayed earnings are acceptable. Biology graduates often pursue medical school, research positions, or teaching credentials that take years to materialize into higher pay. If your student has a clear path to graduate school or specialized training, these numbers make more sense. But families expecting immediate return on a bachelor's degree should recognize that University of Portland's biology program requires patience—and likely additional education—before delivering competitive compensation.