Biology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

FAMU's biology program punches well above its weight in Florida's crowded field. With first-year earnings of $34,012 climbing to $42,723 by year four, graduates rank in the 80th percentile among Florida biology programs—significantly outperforming the state median of $27,034 and even beating several private universities. That 26% earnings trajectory matters: many biology grads plateau early or need additional credentials to advance, but FAMU students show steady income growth.

The debt situation deserves attention, though it's not dire. At $28,125, graduates carry slightly more than both national and state medians, placing them in the 95th percentile for debt nationally. However, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83, that's roughly 10 months of gross salary—manageable territory for a STEM field with clear upward mobility. The high Pell grant percentage (56%) suggests many students are financing most of their education through loans, which explains the above-average debt levels.

For Florida families, especially those considering in-state options, this program delivers stronger outcomes than most alternatives. The combination of selective admissions (21% acceptance rate) and solid career momentum suggests FAMU provides good preparation for either immediate employment or graduate school. The moderate sample size means these numbers are reliable without being based on outliers.