Biology at Fayetteville State University

A biology degree from Fayetteville State starts slowly but builds momentum—graduates earn just $28,332 in their first year, landing them in the 26th percentile nationally. However, within four years, earnings jump 43% to $40,425, surpassing not just the national median but also several higher-ranked North Carolina programs. At the state level, FSU sits squarely in the middle (40th percentile), performing better than half of NC's biology programs despite serving a population where 53% of students receive Pell grants. The $25,000 debt load is exactly average nationally and actually lower than North Carolina's typical biology debt of $26,914.

The real question is whether you can weather that difficult first year. Starting at $28,000 means living lean immediately after graduation—likely working in lab tech positions or research assistant roles before moving into higher-paying opportunities. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 isn't alarming, but it does mean your child will likely be making substantial loan payments on an entry-level salary. That four-year trajectory matters: if they stick with the field and advance into clinical lab scientist, pharmaceutical, or related roles, the math improves considerably.

For families prioritizing access and affordability at an HBCU, FSU's biology program delivers reasonable value with manageable debt and clear earnings growth. Just plan for a tight budget in those crucial first years post-graduation.