by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. The schools below stand out for the salaries their general biology graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find where general biology graduates earn the most.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose general biology graduates go on to earn the most.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned the #1 spot for highest-paid general biology graduates in Illinois. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Early-career general biology graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville make a median of around $56,315 per year.
Western Illinois University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general biology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a public institution. After graduating, general biology degree recipients from Western Illinois University typically earn about $67,238 annually.
Northwestern University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general biology, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general biology graduates from Northwestern University make a median of around $86,946 per year.
A rank of #4 makes Northern Illinois University one of the highest-paying schools for general biology. Northern Illinois University is a public school located in the suburb of Dekalb. Early-career general biology graduates from Northern Illinois University make a median of around $46,541 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in general biology will find them at Midwestern University Downers Grove, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Downers Grove, Midwestern University Downers Grove is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, general biology degree recipients from Midwestern University Downers Grove typically earn about $62,793 annually.
Eastern Illinois University earned the #6 position for general biology graduate earnings this year. Eastern Illinois University is a public school located in the town of Charleston. Early-career general biology graduates from Eastern Illinois University make a median of around $36,094 per year.
Roosevelt University came in at #7 for general biology graduate earnings this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Roosevelt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the general biology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $33,998.
Loyola University Chicago ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general biology schools. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. General Biology graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of about $22,488 a year early in their careers.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their general biology graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 8 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.