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Biology
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Biology
The gateway to pre-med, research, and biotech careers — biology covers cells, organisms, genetics, and ecosystems, with strong graduate school pathways. Graduates earn a national median of $57,214 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 1,895 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 180,784 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $32,894
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $57,214
- Colleges Offering
- 1,895
- Graduates / Year
- 180,784
- Specializations
- 14
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $17,154
Is a Biology Degree Right for You?
$57,214
Median earnings · 4yr
+3.7%
10yr job growth
14
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2.5
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Solid ROI. Median earnings of $57,214 after 4 years. Against an estimated $68,616 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.5 years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Biology Majors Earn?
Biology graduates start at a median $32,894 one year out and reach $57,214 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 1,895 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$32,894
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$57,214
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$58,620
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Biology specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $86,713/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $44,055/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$44,055
Lowest
$57,214
Median
$86,713
Highest
What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?
Career Paths for Biology Graduates
Biology connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Natural Sciences Managers leads in median earnings at $167,220/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Natural Sciences Managers
Bachelor's degree
$167,220
↗ +3.7% growth
Computer & Information Research Scientist
Master's degree
$140,300
↗ +19.7% growth
Biochemist & Biophysicist
Doctoral or professional degree
$127,410
↗ +5.8% growth
Medical & Health Services Manager
Bachelor's degree
$123,860
↗ +23.2% growth
Data Scientist
Bachelor's degree
$120,230
↗ +33.5% growth
Health Specialties Teachers
Doctoral or professional degree
$107,310
↗ +17.3% growth
Statisticians
Master's degree
$105,650
↗ +8.5% growth
Medical Scientists
Doctoral or professional degree
$103,410
↗ +8.7% growth
Biology Specializations
Biology breaks into 15 specializations. Earnings range widely from $44,055 to $86,713 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Biology
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Biology graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
Acceptance
24.2%
Net price/yr
$6,541
Earnings 10yr
$71,588
Grad rate
83%
2
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
Acceptance
26.7%
Net price/yr
$12,470
Earnings 10yr
$84,943
Grad rate
86%
3
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
Acceptance
41.8%
Net price/yr
$14,741
Earnings 10yr
$80,838
Grad rate
81%
4
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Acceptance
9%
Net price/yr
$12,548
Earnings 10yr
$82,511
Grad rate
82%
5
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit
Acceptance
6.4%
Net price/yr
$18,809
Earnings 10yr
$87,555
Grad rate
87%
6
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
7
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL · Public
Acceptance
43.2%
Net price/yr
$9,812
Earnings 10yr
$57,743
Grad rate
68%
8
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
Acceptance
45.2%
Net price/yr
$17,354
Earnings 10yr
$73,792
Grad rate
75%
9
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
Acceptance
84.8%
Net price/yr
$19,680
Earnings 10yr
$67,253
Grad rate
79%
10
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
11
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
Acceptance
15.6%
Net price/yr
$13,138
Earnings 10yr
$83,648
Grad rate
90%
12
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH · Public
Acceptance
60.6%
Net price/yr
$17,339
Earnings 10yr
$60,409
Grad rate
66%
13
Boston University
Boston, MA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
11.1%
Net price/yr
$24,402
Earnings 10yr
$83,238
Grad rate
81%
14
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
Acceptance
79.8%
Net price/yr
$16,778
Earnings 10yr
$69,020
Grad rate
75%
15
University of California-Riverside
Riverside, CA · Public
Acceptance
76.4%
Net price/yr
$14,304
Earnings 10yr
$67,699
Grad rate
63%
16
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
Acceptance
39.2%
Net price/yr
$14,091
Earnings 10yr
$78,466
Grad rate
73%
17
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
Acceptance
26.6%
Net price/yr
$19,857
Earnings 10yr
$75,121
Grad rate
81%
18
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
Acceptance
58.2%
Net price/yr
$24,406
Earnings 10yr
$74,479
Grad rate
73%
19
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Acceptance
11%
Net price/yr
$13,481
Earnings 10yr
$92,446
Grad rate
74%
20
New York University
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.2%
Net price/yr
$37,050
Earnings 10yr
$82,509
Grad rate
76%
Ranked by number of Biology graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Biology Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Biology degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Biology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Biology Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Biology tells a mixed story. Measurable strengths offset by real trade-offs. All 5 points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, and IPEDS graduate counts. No editorial opinion applied.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $57,214 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +33.5% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Data Scientist.
- Wide availability Offered at 1,895 colleges nationwide, including community colleges and online programs.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $86,713, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
CONS
- Highly competitive job market Approximately 180,784 students graduate in this field each year, one of the highest volumes among all majors.
Biology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Biology graduates earn?
Biology graduates earn a national median of $57,214 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Biology degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Biology degree holders is $32,894 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Biology degree?
Biology degree holders work in a range of careers. Natural Sciences Managers is one of the top roles by median wage ($167,220/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Biology?
1,895 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Biology, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Biology degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $57,214 and an average net price of roughly $17,154/yr across institutions offering this major, a Biology degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Biology degree?
Most bachelor's programs in Biology take four years, though some specializations include clinical hours or prerequisites that extend the timeline. Associate degree programs at community colleges typically take two years.
What skills do employers look for in Biology graduates?
Employers hiring Biology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, evidence-based decision-making, and regulatory compliance. Licensure, certifications, or supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Biology graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy, MD) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Biology graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Biology graduates is strong, with an average of +15.1% projected growth across related occupations. Data Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +33.5%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
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- Engineering tech
- Engineering
- Program earnings
- Applied degree
- Technician careers
-
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
- STEM earnings
- Engineering pay
- Computer science
- Program earnings
- Major choice
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