Human Biology.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Human Biology.: The DTI for this program is 58.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Human Biology., compare your expected starting salary (currently $30081) to the average debt ($17697) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Human Biology.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 58.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Human Biology., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($30081) against the typical student debt ($17697), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Human Biology. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $30081, and with an average debt of $17697, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.59—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 2016 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Human Biology. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Human Biology (CIP 30.2701) is an interdisciplinary life science degree focused on understanding the human body as an integrated biological system. It examines how cells, tissues, organs, and systems work together to sustain life, adapt to environments, and respond to disease. Rather than isolating biology into narrow subfields, Human Biology emphasizes connections—between genetics and health, physiology and behavior, evolution and medicine—making it an ideal pathway for students interested in human health, medicine, research, and applied life sciences.
For a degree search site, Human Biology appeals to students who are fascinated by how the human body works and want a strong scientific foundation without being locked into a single discipline too early. It is especially relevant for students planning careers in healthcare, biomedical research, public health, biotechnology, education, or graduate and professional schools. The field blends rigorous biological science with real-world human relevance.
What Is a Human Biology Degree?
A Human Biology degree is an interdisciplinary program that studies human life from molecular, cellular, physiological, evolutionary, and ecological perspectives. Students learn core biological principles while focusing specifically on humans rather than plants or non-human organisms.
Universities offer Human Biology programs to:
- Provide a comprehensive scientific foundation focused on human health and function
- Prepare students for medical, dental, nursing, or allied health professional schools
- Support careers in biomedical research and biotechnology
- Allow flexible specialization within the life sciences
Unlike a traditional biology major that may emphasize ecology or plant biology, Human Biology centers coursework on systems and processes directly relevant to people.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how the human body develops, functions, adapts, and sometimes fails. You’ll explore both normal physiology and the biological basis of disease, gaining an integrated view of human health grounded in scientific evidence.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Understanding human anatomy and physiology—how organ systems function and interact
- Cellular and molecular biology knowledge—genes, proteins, and biochemical pathways
- Laboratory skills—conducting experiments and handling biological samples
- Data analysis and interpretation—analyzing experimental and clinical data
- Scientific reasoning—forming hypotheses and testing them rigorously
- Critical evaluation of research—assessing scientific studies and health claims
- Quantitative problem-solving—using math and statistics in biological contexts
- Scientific communication—writing reports and explaining biological concepts clearly
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: structure and function of body systems
- Cell and Molecular Biology: DNA, gene expression, and cellular processes
- Genetics: inheritance, variation, and genetic disease
- Biochemistry: chemical processes underlying metabolism and energy use
- Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, and the human microbiome
- Immunology: immune system function and defense mechanisms
- Neuroscience or Neurobiology: brain and nervous system biology
- Human Evolution: evolutionary origins of modern humans
- Nutrition or Metabolism: energy balance and nutrient use
Many programs also include research projects or capstone experiences.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in Human Biology prepares students for entry-level scientific and healthcare roles, as well as advanced education. Career outcomes often depend on further training or professional school.
Common career paths include:
- Research Assistant: supporting biomedical or clinical research
- Clinical Laboratory Technician: working with medical samples and diagnostics
- Healthcare Support Roles: assisting in clinical or patient-care settings
- Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Associate: supporting product development or testing
- Public Health or Health Education Assistant: supporting health programs
- Medical, Dental, or Professional School Path: preparing for advanced healthcare careers
- Graduate School Path: pursuing advanced study in biology or biomedical sciences
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments focused on human health and biological research:
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Biomedical and clinical research laboratories
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
- Public health agencies
- Universities and research institutions
- Diagnostic and medical testing laboratories
- Health and wellness organizations
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on role, location, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level lab or research roles: often $40,000–$60,000
- Clinical or biotech support roles: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Advanced-degree professionals: can earn significantly more in healthcare or research careers
Professional school graduates (MD, PA, DDS, etc.) often earn substantially higher salaries.
Is This Degree Hard?
Human Biology is considered academically demanding due to its strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and quantitative analysis. Students must be comfortable with memorization, lab work, and applying scientific concepts across systems.
However, students who are motivated by health, medicine, and understanding the human body often find the rigor purposeful and rewarding.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are interested in human health and biology
- Enjoy science and laboratory work
- Are considering medical, dental, or healthcare careers
- Want a flexible life science degree with human focus
- Prefer evidence-based understanding of health and disease
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a human biology program:
- Take biology and chemistry courses
- Build strong math and statistics skills
- Practice scientific reading and writing
- Participate in science labs, research programs, or health-related volunteering
- Develop disciplined study habits for content-heavy courses
Human Biology (CIP 30.2701) is a foundational degree for students who want to understand life through the lens of the human body. It provides the scientific depth and flexibility needed for careers in healthcare, research, and advanced study in the biological sciences.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor