Biology at University of St Thomas

University of St Thomas biology graduates start modestly at $36,000 but reach $57,600 within four years—a 60% jump that outpaces typical biology career trajectories. This matters because many biology programs show flatter earnings curves, leaving graduates stuck near entry-level pay. Here, the initial year looks deceptively weak, but the four-year outcome suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles, likely in healthcare, research, or graduate-level positions.

The first-year earnings land squarely at the 60th percentile among Minnesota biology programs, clustering near the state median rather than competing with top performers like Saint Cloud State ($44,000) or Metropolitan State ($42,000). Debt of $26,000 sits right at national norms, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. By year four, the debt burden becomes negligible relative to income—exactly the pattern you want to see.

The key question is whether your student plans to pursue medicine, graduate school, or professional roles that require time to establish. If they're using this biology degree as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential, St Thomas appears to position graduates well for that next phase. Students seeking immediate strong earnings might look at the state's higher-earning programs, but for those willing to invest in building a career trajectory, this progression tells a compelling story.