Biology at Westminster College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Westminster College's biology program produces first-year earnings of just $27,467—about $5,000 below the national average and nearly $8,000 below Pennsylvania's median for biology majors. Among the 85 Pennsylvania schools offering biology degrees, this places Westminster in the bottom quarter (25th percentile). That's a significant gap in a state where many biology programs start graduates above $40,000 annually.
The debt picture provides little consolation. While the $27,000 median debt sits at the national average for biology programs, it nearly equals the entire first-year salary, creating an immediate financial strain that most biology graduates don't face. Pennsylvania graduates from stronger programs typically earn enough to make similar debt loads more manageable within a few years.
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 of alternatives. Pennsylvania offers numerous biology programs where graduates start $15,000-$18,000 higher, which compounds dramatically over a career. Unless Westminster offers compelling personal fit factors or significant merit aid to reduce that debt burden, families should examine other Pennsylvania options where the biology degree translates into substantially better early earnings.
Where Westminster College 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 Westminster College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Westminster College graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (85 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster College | $27,467 | — | $27,000 | 0.98 |
| Lehigh University | $45,695 | $52,512 | $23,128 | 0.51 |
| Holy Family University | $44,567 | — | $28,500 | 0.64 |
| Marywood University | $43,968 | $51,631 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania | $43,182 | $47,690 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| DeSales University | $42,751 | $65,437 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $45,695 | $23,128 |
| Holy Family University Philadelphia | $33,968 | $44,567 | $28,500 |
| Marywood University Scranton | $39,570 | $43,968 | $27,000 |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg | $11,036 | $43,182 | $27,000 |
| DeSales University Center Valley | $44,800 | $42,751 | $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 Westminster College, approximately 25% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.