Biology at Alcorn State University

Alcorn State's biology program leads Mississippi offerings by a wide margin—landing in the 80th percentile statewide—but struggles when measured against national standards. First-year graduates earn $27,607, which trails the national median for biology majors by about $5,000. However, among Mississippi's 15 biology programs, only Rust College produces higher earners, and Alcorn graduates out-earn peers at flagship universities like Ole Miss and Southern Miss.

The debt picture actually works in students' favor here. At $30,500, it sits well below the national median of $25,000 for biology programs, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs leave students with less debt). The 1.10 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly one year's starting salary—manageable by most measures. Strong earnings growth of 33% by year four suggests graduates find their footing, reaching $36,598 and approaching the national 75th percentile.

For Mississippi families—particularly the 77% of students here on Pell grants—this program offers the state's best biology outcomes at a reasonable debt load. The tradeoff is clear: you're getting top-tier training for Mississippi but middle-of-the-pack results nationally. If your child plans to work in-state or in the region, that's likely sufficient. For those eyeing competitive graduate programs or high-cost-of-living markets, the earnings gap versus stronger national programs could matter more.