Biology at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso's biology program shows striking earnings growth—graduates more than double their income between year one and year four—but that impressive trajectory can't obscure a troubling starting point. At $30,672, first-year earnings trail the Indiana median by $5,500 and rank in just the 25th percentile among the state's 42 biology programs. While debt is relatively modest at $27,000, compare these outcomes to what biology majors earn at Indiana State ($43,656) or even regional competitors like University of Indianapolis ($39,909). You're paying private university tuition for earnings that lag behind most public alternatives in the state.

The silver lining is genuine: that 65% earnings jump to $50,744 by year four suggests graduates do find better opportunities or advance into professional programs where biology serves as a stepping stone. For students planning medical school, graduate research, or other advanced degrees, that first-year dip matters less. But if your child expects their bachelor's degree to be terminal, the weak initial placement is concerning, especially since even after four years, they're still not catching up to what peers at Indiana State earn right out of the gate.

If graduate school is in the plan, this could work. If not, the stronger biology programs at Indiana's public universities offer better immediate returns without the premium price tag.