Biology at Alabama State University

Alabama State's biology program serves a predominantly low-income student population (72% receive Pell grants) and delivers outcomes that slightly trail national benchmarks but actually exceed the state median. Graduates earn $30,174 in their first year—below the national figure of $32,316, but above Alabama's median of $30,038, placing this program in the 60th percentile statewide. That contextualizes the 37th percentile national ranking: Alabama State performs respectably within its state market, even if the state itself lags behind.

The debt picture deserves attention. At $31,000, graduates carry $6,000 more than typical biology majors nationally, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 1.0. For comparison, top Alabama programs like Athens State and UAH produce graduates earning $6,000-$7,000 more annually while carrying similar debt loads. The 11% earnings growth over four years is modest but steady, bringing graduates to $33,460—still below what peers at other Alabama schools start with.

For families prioritizing access and affordability, Alabama State provides a viable path into biology, particularly for students who might not gain admission elsewhere. However, parents should recognize that the combination of below-average starting salaries and above-average debt creates tighter financial margins in those critical early career years. Students with options at UAH, Athens State, or Jacksonville State would likely see stronger returns on their investment.