Biology at University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Parkside biology graduates start at $35,990—outperforming three-quarters of biology programs nationally and landing solidly in the middle of Wisconsin's pack. That's nearly $4,000 above the national average for biology majors, though it trails the state's top earners at places like Edgewood College by about $15,000. The real advantage here is debt: at $28,500, graduates borrow about $3,200 more than the national median, but that debt burden remains manageable with a 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio.
For families weighing Wisconsin's public options, UW-Parkside delivers comparable outcomes to larger campuses like UW-Whitewater while keeping debt reasonable. The admission profile (73% acceptance rate, 1090 SAT average) suggests this is an accessible option that still produces competitive results. Biology majors notoriously earn less than other STEM fields initially, but this program at least positions graduates ahead of most peers nationwide.
The moderate sample size means individual outcomes vary, but the fundamentals work: graduates can realistically pay down their debt while earning above-average wages for their field. Parents should recognize this won't produce the salary boost of computer science or engineering, but as biology programs go, it represents solid middle-ground value without excessive borrowing.
Where University of Wisconsin-Parkside Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | $35,990 | — | $28,500 | 0.79 |
| Edgewood College | $51,134 | $54,363 | $29,000 | 0.57 |
| Ripon College | $43,250 | $46,101 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| Carroll University | $43,188 | $56,294 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $38,530 | $56,168 | $24,250 | 0.63 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $38,331 | $46,673 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edgewood College Madison | $34,850 | $51,134 | $29,000 |
| Ripon College Ripon | $50,700 | $43,250 | $27,000 |
| Carroll University Waukesha | $37,230 | $43,188 | $27,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh | $8,212 | $38,530 | $24,250 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | $8,250 | $38,331 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Wisconsin-Parkside, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.