Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Bemidji State University

Biology-focused degrees often struggle with early earnings, but Bemidji State's ecology program defies that pattern. Despite the small program size (under 30 recent graduates), these students earn $35,521 their first year—well above the national median of $29,460 and competitive with Minnesota's ecology programs. More importantly, earnings jump 32% by year four to nearly $47,000, suggesting graduates find their footing in environmental consulting, natural resource management, or related fields.

The debt picture looks manageable at $28,626, translating to a 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's lower than what many biology majors face nationally, and graduates enter repayment owing just $2,126 more than Minnesota's state median for this field. While Bemidji students fall in the middle of the pack among Minnesota ecology programs (60th percentile), they're outperforming 90% of similar programs nationwide—a meaningful distinction if your student is considering out-of-state alternatives.

The small sample size means these numbers could shift year to year, but the trajectory is promising: reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and strong mid-career growth. For students serious about ecology who want hands-on experience in Minnesota's distinctive northern ecosystems without breaking the bank, this program delivers functional value. It won't make your child rich, but it positions them well for stable careers in environmental fields.