Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $22,100/yr fall 31% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 4.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,223 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,100 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #691 out of 822 programs, Mercer University's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $22,100 to $67,149 over five years (204% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.