Biology at University of Redlands

The striking 103% earnings jump tells the story here: University of Redlands biology graduates start below most peers but catch up quickly. That first-year salary of $30,047 sits below both California's state median ($33,486) and the national average, placing this program in just the 40th percentile among California biology programs. But by year four, earnings double to nearly $61,000—suggesting graduates may initially take internships or graduate school prep positions before moving into higher-paying roles.

The debt load of $26,784 is actually reasonable compared to state averages, though it's higher than California's median for biology programs. That first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 looks manageable on paper, but reflects a real cash-flow challenge for recent graduates earning $30,000. The question becomes whether your student can weather those lean initial years, potentially with family support or careful budgeting.

This program makes most sense for students planning graduate school or professional programs where that initial salary is less critical than the trajectory. If your child needs immediate post-graduation earnings—to start paying loans independently or support themselves—the early earning power here falls short of what many California biology programs deliver right out of the gate. The growth is impressive, but it requires patience.