Biology at William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson's biology program punches well above its weight. With first-year earnings of $42,492, graduates earn more than 80% of biology programs in New Jersey and outperform the state median by over $10,000. That's remarkable for a school with a 93% acceptance rate serving a predominantly middle-class student body. Only Centenary and Rider—both more selective institutions—produce better-earning biology graduates in the state.

The value proposition strengthens over time. Four years out, median earnings climb to nearly $60,000, a 41% increase that suggests graduates are finding solid career footing in healthcare, research, or related fields. The $25,860 debt load sits right at national norms and represents just 61% of first-year earnings—manageable by any standard. Compare this to the typical biology graduate nationwide who earns just $32,000 initially while carrying similar debt.

For New Jersey families, this is one of the state's best biology programs by outcome. The combination of accessible admissions, reasonable cost, and earnings that rival far more selective schools makes this a smart choice for students serious about entering science-related careers. The data backs up what parents really want to know: graduates actually get jobs that pay well enough to justify the investment.