Biology at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

A biology degree from UW-Green Bay leaves graduates earning well below what they could expect at other Wisconsin schools. At $29,947 in the first year, graduates trail the state median by nearly $6,000—landing in just the 25th percentile among Wisconsin biology programs. Even four years out, when earnings reach $37,157, they're still falling short of what graduates from UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater earn right out of the gate. The debt load of $23,023 is reasonable and slightly below state averages, but it doesn't offset the earnings gap.

The comparison to nearby UW System schools is particularly telling. UW-Oshkosh biology graduates start at $38,530—29% higher than Green Bay—with similar debt levels and comparable admission standards. The 24% earnings growth over four years shows some progression, but graduates are essentially catching up to where their peers at other state universities began. For a student committed to staying in Wisconsin and studying biology, this program appears to underperform against readily available alternatives.

If your child is set on UW-Green Bay for other reasons—campus size, location, or specific research opportunities—understand they'll likely be accepting a meaningful earnings discount compared to other in-state options. Otherwise, the data suggests looking at other UW System schools where biology graduates command stronger starting salaries with similar debt.