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.
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.
$38,92925th pct.
$57,214Median
$79,19975th pct.
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.
83%
Bachelor's83%
Master's8%
Associate's7%
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.
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.
Doctoral or professional degree9,600 openings/yr172K employed nationally
WritingActive LearningScienceSpeakingJudgment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 earningsFour-year median of $57,214 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $32,400 at graduation to $57,214 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +12.8% over the next decade, with Forensic Science Technicians among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 107,800 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMost 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 expectedTop 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 areas1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Highly competitive market103,883 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.
Related Biology Programs
Other programs in Biology. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
The top colleges for Biology in the biggest states, ranked by the UCD Score.
Best Biology Colleges in California
The top Biology colleges in California, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
93 UCD Score
174 Colleges
$536 Lowest Net
$128,566 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in Texas
The top Biology colleges in Texas, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
91 UCD Score
104 Colleges
$1,300 Lowest Net
$89,718 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in New York
The top Biology colleges in New York, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
96 UCD Score
99 Colleges
$2,984 Lowest Net
$104,043 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in Florida
The top Biology colleges in Florida, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
93 UCD Score
37 Colleges
$1,471 Lowest Net
$75,328 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in Pennsylvania
The top Biology colleges in Pennsylvania, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
84 UCD Score
107 Colleges
$6,233 Lowest Net
$114,862 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in Ohio
The top Biology colleges in Ohio, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
83 UCD Score
59 Colleges
$5,567 Lowest Net
$87,989 Top Earn
Best Biology Colleges in Illinois
The top Biology colleges in Illinois, ranked by UCD Score on outcomes, value, and net price.
91 UCD Score
48 Colleges
$9,833 Lowest Net
$91,885 Top Earn
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