Biology at Utica University

Utica's biology graduates earn significantly less than typical biology majors—$25,786 versus $32,738 statewide and $32,316 nationally. That's a 20% earnings gap that matters when you're looking at nearly identical debt loads ($28,000 here versus $25,000 across New York). Even within the state, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of New York biology programs produce better initial earnings. For context, CUNY Medgar Evers graduates—at a far less expensive public institution—earn $39,810, more than 50% higher.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious consideration. Biology degrees often serve as pre-med or pre-grad school credentials where initial earnings matter less, but if your child plans to enter the workforce directly, these numbers suggest they'd be better served elsewhere. The debt itself isn't catastrophic, but paired with below-average earnings, the return on investment looks weak compared to other New York options.

If graduate school is the plan and your child has strong reasons to attend Utica specifically, this might work. Otherwise, explore other biology programs in New York where the same debt investment yields substantially better outcomes.