Biology at Wofford College

Wofford's biology program starts graduates at a worryingly low $24,287—well below both the state median ($30,286) and national median ($32,316). Among South Carolina's 31 biology programs, it ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings, trailing schools like Southern Wesleyan and Citadel by more than $10,000. For a private college with moderate selectivity (average SAT 1297), these initial outcomes are difficult to justify, especially when public options like USC Aiken produce better starting salaries with comparable debt levels.

The positive story here is dramatic earnings growth: graduates more than double their income to nearly $50,000 by year four. This 105% jump suggests many students are using their biology degree as a stepping stone—likely moving into healthcare roles, graduate programs, or professional schools where biology serves as prerequisite coursework. The $26,000 debt load is reasonable and manageable once earnings catch up.

The critical question for parents: can your family handle the financial strain of that first year or two? If your child is headed to medical school, pharmacy, or another graduate program where Wofford's academic rigor and small classes (15% Pell Grant recipients suggests a well-resourced environment) provide value beyond the salary data, this trajectory makes sense. But if they plan to work immediately after graduation with a bachelor's in biology, you're looking at a tough financial start that cheaper in-state alternatives would avoid.