Biology at University of the Incarnate Word

The year-one earnings here tell a stark story: at $23,270, graduates earn $9,000 less than the typical Texas biology grad and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally. That's entry-level retail territory, not college-graduate wages. While the debt load of $27,000 isn't catastrophic, borrowing that amount to earn $23,270 creates immediate financial strain for new graduates still figuring out their next move.

The dramatic 82% earnings jump by year four suggests many graduates eventually find their footing—likely by pivoting to different careers, pursuing graduate degrees, or finally landing positions that require their degree. That $42,386 four-year mark is more respectable and closer to state norms. But parents should understand what that growth pattern really means: their child will likely spend several years in low-wage positions before seeing meaningful returns, if they see them at all.

For comparison, biology graduates from nearby Texas State earn $34,516 right out of the gate—50% more than UIW grads in their first year. The 93% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest UIW serves students who may have fewer options, but that doesn't change the economic reality. Unless your child has a clear path to medical or graduate school (where the undergraduate institution matters less), or is receiving substantial financial aid that keeps borrowing minimal, this program represents a risky bet on a delayed payoff.