Biology at Virginia Military Institute
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Virginia Military Institute's biology graduates earn substantially more than typical biology majors, both nationally and within Virginia. At $43,797 one year out, graduates outperform 95% of biology programs nationwide and 80% within Virginia—where they trail only Hampden-Sydney College and Shenandoah University among the state's 38 programs. The $23,000 median debt sits slightly below state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 that VMI grads can realistically handle.
The earnings trajectory adds to this program's appeal: graduates see a 45% jump to $63,600 by year four, suggesting strong career progression. This growth pattern indicates VMI's biology degree opens doors to professional advancement rather than trapping graduates in low-wage lab positions. While the sample size is moderate, the consistent outperformance across metrics is notable—especially given VMI's 82% admission rate makes it relatively accessible compared to elite programs that dominate these rankings.
For families weighing this option, VMI biology delivers field-leading outcomes at manageable debt levels. The military institute environment won't suit everyone, but the program's combination of strong initial placement and robust earnings growth makes it one of Virginia's best biology investments.
Where Virginia Military Institute 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 Virginia Military Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Virginia Military Institute graduates earn $44k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (38 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military Institute | $43,797 | $63,600 | $23,000 | 0.53 |
| Hampden-Sydney College | $41,876 | $48,487 | $24,500 | 0.59 |
| Shenandoah University | $40,980 | $53,262 | $23,250 | 0.57 |
| Roanoke College | $37,458 | $51,790 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
| University of Richmond | $36,300 | $52,909 | $20,064 | 0.55 |
| University of Mary Washington | $35,194 | $54,144 | $22,567 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney | $52,388 | $41,876 | $24,500 |
| Shenandoah University Winchester | $36,028 | $40,980 | $23,250 |
| Roanoke College Salem | $36,774 | $37,458 | $27,000 |
| University of Richmond University of Richmond | $62,600 | $36,300 | $20,064 |
| University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg | $14,559 | $35,194 | $22,567 |
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 Virginia Military Institute, approximately 16% 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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.