Biology at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's biology graduates start below both state and national averages but experience something relatively rare: meaningful earnings growth. The $28,585 starting salary lands in just the 40th percentile among South Carolina biology programs—trailing schools like Southern Wesleyan and The Citadel by $8,000-11,000. However, that 37% jump to $39,094 by year four suggests graduates find their footing, likely moving into positions that better leverage their degree.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at national norms and actually below South Carolina's typical biology debt of $27,000, making the financial risk manageable. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—workable territory, though the first year or two will feel tight at sub-$30,000 income levels. That initial period represents the real hurdle here.

For families considering this program, understand you're buying into a slower start with potential upside. If your student needs immediate post-graduation earnings (to help family finances or because they're maxing out federal loans), the below-average starting salary matters significantly. But if they can weather a year or two of modest income while building experience, the trajectory looks more promising than the initial numbers suggest. The moderate sample size adds some uncertainty, but the pattern seems real enough to factor into your decision.