Biology at University of Vermont

University of Vermont biology graduates start slow but gain ground quickly, with earnings jumping 60% from $36,491 in year one to $58,369 by year four. That trajectory outpaces what most biology programs deliver—UVM ranks in the 77th percentile nationally for earnings, beating three-quarters of similar programs across the country.

Within Vermont's small pool of biology programs, UVM sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing Vermont State but ahead of both Saint Michael's and Middlebury. The $23,917 median debt matches the state median and comes in slightly below the national average, creating a manageable first-year debt burden of 0.66 times earnings. Biology majors often pursue graduate school or entry-level research positions initially, which explains the modest starting salary, but the robust earnings growth suggests graduates are either advancing within their fields or successfully pivoting to higher-paying adjacent careers.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is timeline: if your child plans to work immediately after graduation and needs quick debt payoff, that $36,491 starting salary requires patience. But for students planning graduate school or willing to build experience strategically, UVM's biology program demonstrates solid long-term value, particularly given Vermont's limited in-state options and UVM's strong regional reputation in the sciences.