Biology at Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University's biology program shows a puzzling earnings pattern that demands careful interpretation, especially given the small sample size. That $21,104 first-year figure—ranking in just the 10th percentile among New York biology programs—shouldn't be taken at face value. The dramatic jump to $77,314 by year four suggests many graduates pursue medical school, gap-year research positions, or other post-baccalaureate paths that temporarily suppress earnings. The modest $20,500 debt load provides crucial breathing room during these transition years.

The small cohort size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers particularly volatile. Pre-med students dominating the sample could explain both the low initial earnings and exceptional mid-career trajectory. While New York's top biology programs like Barnard ($47,329) and Hamilton ($43,639) deliver stronger immediate returns, none match Yeshiva's year-four outcome. However, those schools also report more stable initial employment, which matters if your child doesn't pursue graduate education.

For families confident their student will continue to medical or graduate school, that 266% earnings growth and manageable debt make this workable. But if your child might enter the workforce immediately after graduation, this program's bottom-decile starting salary poses real risk—rent in New York doesn't wait for career trajectories to materialize.