Biology at University of Saint Mary

The small sample size here demands caution, but University of Saint Mary biology graduates show an earnings trajectory that merits attention. That first-year figure of $34,718 sits slightly above Kansas's median for biology programs, placing graduates at the 60th percentile statewide—solidly middle-of-the-pack among the state's 23 biology programs. More striking is the four-year trajectory: earnings jump 74% to $60,442, suggesting graduates either pursue additional credentials or transition into higher-paying roles after gaining experience. The $26,000 debt load, while slightly above the state median, remains manageable with a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio.

The key question is what drives that dramatic earnings surge. Biology bachelor's degrees often lead to graduate programs, healthcare roles, or laboratory positions that reward experience and additional training. For families considering this $26,000 investment, the answer hinges on your child's post-graduation plans: if they're headed to medical school, pharmacy, or similar paths, this becomes a reasonable stepping stone. If they plan to stop at the bachelor's level, be prepared for a challenging first year financially, though the growth pattern suggests improvement.

Given the limited sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—these numbers could shift significantly year to year. This program won't propel your child to the top of Kansas biology earnings, but it provides a foundation comparable to what state universities offer, without the crushing debt that sometimes accompanies private college biology degrees.