Biology at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State's biology program starts graduates at $32,958—below the state median of $34,562 and ranking in just the 40th percentile among Colorado biology programs. Metropolitan State University of Denver and CSU Pueblo both deliver significantly stronger first-year outcomes. However, the compelling part of this story is what happens next: earnings jump 39% to $45,702 by year four, ultimately surpassing most competing programs despite the slower start.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,009, translating to a 0.70 ratio against first-year earnings. This positions graduates in the 64th percentile nationally for debt—not exceptional, but manageable given the robust sample size of 100+ graduates. The real calculation here is whether your child can weather those leaner first years, likely working lab tech or research assistant roles, while building toward better-paying positions.

For families prioritizing immediate earning power, other Colorado programs offer $5,000-$8,000 more right out of the gate. But if your student is committed to a biology career path requiring experience-building—think graduate school preparation or specialized industry roles—CSU's trajectory suggests the investment pays off for those who stick with it. The key is having a clear post-graduation plan that justifies accepting lower initial earnings.