Biology at University of Utah

University of Utah biology graduates earn significantly more than the national median—nearly $7,000 more in their first year out—placing them in the 90th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful advantage that compounds over time, with four-year earnings reaching $51,000. The challenge is that while these graduates excel nationally, they land in the middle of the pack among Utah biology programs, earning slightly above the state median but trailing Westminster. This suggests strong absolute performance but intense local competition.

The debt picture is manageable at $21,000, especially given the first-year salary. A 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably pay off loans within two years if they're aggressive about it, and the 30% earnings growth over four years shows solid career progression. The debt is actually above Utah's median for biology programs but below the national average—a trade-off that makes sense given the higher earning potential.

For parents weighing this option: you're looking at one of the highest-earning biology programs in the country, with debt levels that won't be crushing. If your student plans to stay in Utah, they'll face competition from Westminster graduates but will still out-earn most of their peers. The 87% admission rate makes this accessible to many students, and the combination of strong earnings and reasonable debt makes it a solid investment for students serious about STEM careers.