Pre-Med / Biology Degree in Durham, NC — Salary & ROI 2026
Pre-Med / Biology degree analysis for Durham, NC. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$0
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$0
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
N/A
in Durham
Cost of Living
109
index (100 = avg)
Pre-Med / Biology in Durham, NC Overview
Durham is one of North Carolina's top college towns, with 25 institutions and a student population of 56,021. Public tuition averages $6,477/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Pre-Med / Biology enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in . The adjusted starting salary in Durham is approximately $0.
Category
Healthcare
Local Colleges
25
Public Tuition
$6,477/yr
Private Tuition
$62,688/yr
Room & Board
$14,101/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,850/yr
Unemployment
5.9%
Graduation Rate
54%
Pre-Med / Biology Salary in Durham (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Durham's cost of living index of 109 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Pre-Med / Biology salary: $0 starting, $0 mid-career, $0 senior level.Durham adjustment factor: 1.09x based on the local cost of living index.
Pre-Med / Biology ROI Calculator for Durham
Estimate your return on investment for a Pre-Med / Biology degree using local Durham tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $6,477 | Private avg: $62,688
Durham avg aid: $13,850/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$82,312
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$-38,150
vs HS diploma in Durham
ROI Payback Period
N/A
to break even
Lifetime Return in Durham
$-82,312
Lifetime earnings premium ($0) minus total education cost ($82,312)
Student Loan Payoff for Pre-Med / Biology in Durham
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Durham for Pre-Med / Biology
Duke University
private
$62,688/yr
$250,752 total
North Carolina Central University
public
$6,477/yr
$25,908 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Durham Technical Community College
$2,864/yr
Top Employers for Pre-Med / Biology in Durham
Durham offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Pre-Med / Biology graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Durham Hiring Sectors for Healthcare
Hospitals
Medical centers
Private practices
Health systems
Pharma companies
Common Pre-Med / Biology Job Titles
Pre-Med / Biology in Nearby North Carolina Cities
Charlotte, NC
$0 starting · COL 89
39 colleges
Raleigh, NC
$0 starting · COL 83
21 colleges
Greensboro, NC
$0 starting · COL 91
17 colleges
Winston-Salem, NC
$0 starting · COL 106
26 colleges
Fayetteville, NC
$0 starting · COL 90
15 colleges
Cary, NC
$0 starting · COL 108.5
7 colleges
Wilmington, NC
$0 starting · COL 95
5 colleges
High Point, NC
$0 starting · COL 84.5
5 colleges
Other Healthcare Majors in Durham
Pharmacy
$55K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Health Informatics
$55K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Nursing
$74K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Healthcare Administration
$55K starting · 4 yr ROI
Occupational Therapy
$55K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Dental Hygiene
$55K starting · 3 yr ROI
Speech-Language Pathology
$55K starting · 4.2 yr ROI
Public Health
$55K starting · 5.2 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Pre-Med / Biology degree outcomes in Durham, NC: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Pre-Med / Biology programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for North Carolina.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Durham using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Pre-Med / Biology graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Pre-Med / Biology career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Pre-Med / Biology grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Durham Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), North Carolina students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — North Carolina programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "north carolina higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Pre-Med / Biology Degree in Durham — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Pre-Med / Biology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Durham.