Biology at Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College's biology program lacks reported earnings data due to small graduate cohorts, but what we know by year four—$45,194 in median earnings—tells a more optimistic story than the estimated first-year figure of $35,752 suggests. That first-year number comes from Wisconsin's state median across 21 programs, meaning it could underestimate (or overestimate) what WLC's graduates actually earn initially. The debt load of $26,495 sits right around the state and national averages for biology degrees, producing a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio if that first-year estimate holds true.

The real question is trajectory. By year four, earnings climb to $45,194—substantially better than the state median and well above top Wisconsin programs like UW-Whitewater ($38,331). This suggests either strong career progression or that WLC's biology graduates pursue paths with delayed but solid payoffs. Biology degrees often lead to graduate school, lab work, or healthcare positions that build slowly, so watching debt stay near $26,500 while earnings potentially grow is encouraging. The program's selectivity (79% admission, 1214 SAT average) and limited Pell population (25%) indicate a fairly traditional student body, which may translate to stronger career networks or graduate school placement.

Your child should investigate where these graduates actually go—med school applicants face different ROI calculations than those entering the workforce directly. But if that four-year number reflects typical outcomes, the investment appears sound despite the uncertainty around that crucial first year.