Biology at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh biology graduates see something uncommon in this field: strong wage growth that transforms an unremarkable starting salary into solid mid-career earnings. While first-year graduates earn $38,530—roughly $3,000 above the state median—those four years out are making $56,168, a 46% jump that suggests actual career progression rather than the stagnation many biology majors experience. That puts this program in the 87th percentile nationally, though it's worth noting it sits at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin, where the state's biology programs generally outperform the national average.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,250, creating a manageable 0.63 ratio to first-year earnings that improves dramatically as graduates gain experience. Unlike Edgewood College ($51,134 starting) or Ripon ($43,250), UW-Oshkosh won't deliver impressive immediate returns. But if you're comparing realistic options at Wisconsin's public universities, this program holds its own—graduates here earn more at year four than those from UW-Whitewater despite similar starting points.

For families prioritizing affordability and actual career momentum over prestige, this represents a solid investment. Your student won't command top dollar right out of college, but the earnings trajectory suggests they're getting skills that translate into better opportunities over time—exactly what you want from a biology degree at a regional public university.