Biology at William & Mary

William & Mary biology graduates face a challenging first year—earning just $29,851 puts them below the state and national medians—but the trajectory improves dramatically. By year four, earnings jump 58% to $47,139, outpacing what graduates from Virginia Tech, UVA, and most other Virginia programs achieve at that point. The relatively light debt load of $16,681 (well below both the national and state medians of around $25,000) means graduates can weather that difficult first year without crushing loan payments.

The real question is what's happening in that first year. Many William & Mary biology grads likely pursue research positions, medical school prerequisites, or graduate programs—paths that temporarily suppress earnings but position them for stronger long-term outcomes. The 40th percentile ranking in Virginia reflects that rocky start, but the four-year number tells a different story. Still, families should recognize that this program trails specialized schools like VMI and Hampden-Sydney, where biology grads earn $40,000+ even early on.

For families who can afford the initial earnings gap—or whose student plans to continue education immediately—the combination of low debt and strong earnings growth makes this manageable. But if your child needs to start paying bills right after graduation, other Virginia programs offer more immediate financial stability.