Biology at University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne

Indiana's biology programs reveal significant earning disparities, with top programs like Indiana State University producing graduates earning over $43,000 in their first year—notably higher than the $36,000 that similar programs across the state typically generate. Saint Francis falls in the middle of this pack based on state benchmarks, though without school-specific data, it's difficult to know whether this program matches, exceeds, or falls short of those typical outcomes.

What works in this program's favor is the debt picture. At $27,000, graduates here carry slightly more than the state median of $24,820, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 suggests manageable repayment if earnings align with state norms. The jump to $54,412 by year four indicates meaningful income growth—though again, this figure comes from Saint Francis's actual graduates and provides the clearest signal that this program leads somewhere economically viable in the medium term.

The challenge is the uncertainty embedded in that first year. Biology graduates often pursue graduate school, healthcare certifications, or research positions that delay peak earning potential, making that initial number especially variable. Without knowing how Saint Francis's specific graduates fare—whether they're closer to the $36,000 state average or the $43,000 earned at Indiana State—parents should factor in a range of possible outcomes and ensure their child has a clear post-graduation plan, particularly if graduate school isn't immediately in the picture.