Biology at William Peace University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
William Peace University's biology program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning nearly $40,000 in their first year—about $10,000 more than the typical biology graduate in North Carolina and $7,000 above the national median. Among North Carolina's 50 biology programs, this places in the 80th percentile, outperforming larger institutions like NC State and Campbell University. The $28,500 median debt is also exceptionally manageable, lower than 95% of biology programs nationally.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few years even on a biology bachelor's salary, which is rare in this field. For an institution with a 97% acceptance rate, these outcomes are particularly impressive and suggest strong career services or industry connections in the Raleigh area's biotech sector.
The significant caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes can swing these numbers considerably. A single student landing a pharmaceutical job or heading to graduate school could skew the median upward. However, the combination of low debt and strong early earnings makes this a reasonable bet if your child is committed to biology—just recognize that small program size means less predictability than you'd find at larger universities.
Where William Peace 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 William Peace University graduates compare to all programs nationally
William Peace University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (50 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Peace University | $39,710 | — | $28,500 | 0.72 |
| Meredith College | $43,182 | $53,798 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| East Carolina University | $38,992 | $47,217 | $26,000 | 0.67 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $36,157 | $57,457 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
| Barton College | $35,783 | — | $26,990 | 0.75 |
| Campbell University | $35,579 | $40,607 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith College Raleigh | $43,936 | $43,182 | $27,000 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $7,361 | $38,992 | $26,000 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $8,895 | $36,157 | $21,500 |
| Barton College Wilson | $35,600 | $35,783 | $26,990 |
| Campbell University Buies Creek | $40,410 | $35,579 | $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 William Peace University, approximately 35% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.