Biology at Washington State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Washington State University's biology program outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally while keeping debt notably below average—an unusual combination for a science degree. Starting earnings of $36,290 exceed the national median by $4,000 and place graduates ahead of 60% of Washington biology programs, despite tuition rates that leave students with $3,500 less debt than the typical biology graduate.
The 20% earnings growth to $43,627 by year four suggests graduates are securing progressively better positions rather than plateauing in entry-level lab work. While the UW campuses edge ahead by about $2,400 in starting salary, WSU students face roughly similar debt loads, making the earnings gap less consequential than it appears. The 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just over half their first-year salary—manageable for building a career in research, healthcare, or graduate school.
For families weighing cost against outcome, WSU delivers competitive returns without requiring the admissions lottery of more selective schools. This program proves particularly valuable for students planning graduate work in medicine or research, where undergraduate debt levels matter more than marginal differences in initial wages.
Where Washington State University 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 Washington State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Washington State University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 76th 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 Washington
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State University | $36,290 | $43,627 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $38,716 | $53,261 | $14,223 | 0.37 |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $38,716 | $53,261 | $14,223 | 0.37 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $38,716 | $53,261 | $14,223 | 0.37 |
| Seattle University | $37,063 | $52,518 | $22,417 | 0.60 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $36,766 | $40,169 | $22,626 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $38,716 | $14,223 |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell | $12,559 | $38,716 | $14,223 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma | $12,817 | $38,716 | $14,223 |
| Seattle University Seattle | $54,285 | $37,063 | $22,417 |
| Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma | $50,964 | $36,766 | $22,626 |
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 Washington State University, approximately 26% 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 169 graduates with reported earnings and 219 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.