Biology at Angelo State University

Angelo State's biology program outperforms 60% of Texas biology programs—a meaningful advantage in a state with 70 competing options. The first-year salary of $32,557 sits above both state and national medians, while the $22,750 debt burden runs slightly below the Texas average. That 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to earn back their entire debt load in roughly eight months, assuming they focus repayment on their student loans.

The 27% earnings jump from year one to year four signals that graduates are moving into better positions as they gain experience, reaching $41,397 by their fourth year. This trajectory matters because biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones—whether to graduate programs, medical school, or specialized lab positions that require some field experience. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reliable data without the noise that small cohorts sometimes create.

For families weighing Angelo State against pricier Texas options like Southern Methodist ($39,087 starting salary, likely higher debt), the question becomes whether that $6,500 salary gap justifies potentially double the debt load. Angelo State delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance at an accessible price point, making it a reasonable choice for students who need to minimize borrowing while keeping graduate school options open.