HEALTH Specialization

Biology

Biology graduates earn $57,214 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 12.8%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Forensic Science Technicians is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

About Biology

Biology is a specialized field of study. Graduates typically earn around $57,214 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 1,774 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 103,883 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.


Median Earnings · 1yr
$32,400
Median Earnings · 4yr
$57,214
Colleges Offering
1,774
Graduates / Year
103,883
Avg Net Price / yr
$15,377

How Much Do Biology Graduates Earn?

Biology graduates earn $57,214 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,929 and $79,199. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $32,400 climbs to $57,214 by year four.

$32,400
1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$57,214
4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$57,534
4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.


Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Biology graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.


A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $57,214 and an estimated $61,508 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.3 years.

Based on outcomes from 1,389 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 103,883 students who complete Biology programs each year, the majority (83%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

Bachelor's 83%
Master's 8%
Associate's 7%

What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?

Biology connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$167,220
$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally
Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

  • Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
  • Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
  • Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
↗ +8.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$103,410
$80K $139K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 9,600 openings/yr 172K employed nationally
Writing Active Learning Science Speaking Judgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

  • Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
  • Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
  • Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation
$84,620
$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.
Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally
Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
↗ +12.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$72,060
$58K $95K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 2,900 openings/yr 19K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Active Listening Writing Speaking Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
↘ -1.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$72,040
$60K $93K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 66,200 openings/yr 1.1M employed nationally
Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening Learning Strategies Speaking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

  • Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
↗ +3.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation
$57,510
$48K $72K 25th–75th pct.
Bachelor's degree 9,100 openings/yr 70K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Science Active Listening Active Learning
Day-to-day responsibilities

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

  • Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
  • Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
  • Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
↗ +4.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$52,130
$46K $63K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 3,200 openings/yr 15K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Speaking Writing Active Listening Critical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

  • Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
  • Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
  • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
↗ +4.3% Zone 3: Medium preparation
$49,630
$41K $64K 25th–75th pct.
Associate's degree 2,900 openings/yr 15K employed nationally
Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking Critical Thinking Writing
Day-to-day responsibilities

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

  • Prepare land for cultivated crops, orchards, or vineyards by plowing, discing, leveling, or contouring.
  • Operate farm machinery, including tractors, plows, mowers, combines, balers, sprayers, earthmoving equipment, or trucks.
  • Record data pertaining to experimentation, research, or animal care.

Top Colleges for Biology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Biology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

# College Graduates Acceptance Net Price/yr Earnings 10yr
1 University of South Florida Tampa, FL · Public 1,207 43.2% $9,812 $57,743
2 Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public 994 57.4% $21,315 $72,097
3 Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public 987 89.9% $14,967 $62,668
4 Florida International University Miami, FL · Public 971 54.7% $9,288 $60,249
5 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public 873 40.1% $10,411 $58,308
6 University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public 766 28.6% $14,251 $80,735
7 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public 758 58.2% $24,406 $74,479
8 University of California-Riverside Riverside, CA · Public 713 76.4% $14,304 $67,699
9 University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public 630 24.2% $6,541 $71,588
10 New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit 610 9.2% $37,050 $82,509
11 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public 590 26.6% $19,857 $75,121
12 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public 580 49% $18,784 $74,502
13 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX · Public 575 94.2% $4,831 $49,620
14 University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public 573 37.7% $13,936 $68,726
15 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public 554 15.3% $11,655 $72,200
16 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public 535 84.8% $19,680 $67,253
17 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public 518 60.6% $17,339 $60,409
18 University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public 517 44.8% $15,678 $82,860
19 University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL · Public 487 77.4% $10,974 $68,740
20 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public 485 26.7% $12,470 $84,943

Ranked by Biology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

Biology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Biology shows 4 measurable strengths and 4 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS
  • Above-average earnings Four-year median of $57,214 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
  • Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $32,400 at graduation to $57,214 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
  • Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +12.8% over the next decade, with Forensic Science Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
  • Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 107,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
  • Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
  • Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
  • Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
  • Highly competitive market 103,883 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.

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 program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,929 and $79,199. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Biology degree?
One year after graduation, Biology degree holders earn a median of $32,400. That climbs to $57,214 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Biology degree?
Biology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Biology program take?
A Biology bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Biology?
1,774 colleges and universities in the United States offer Biology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Biology degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $57,214 and an average net price of roughly $15,377/yr, a Biology degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What skills do employers look for in Biology graduates?
Employers hiring Biology graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and 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) 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 rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Biology graduates?
The job outlook for Biology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Forensic Science Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +12.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.

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