Biology at Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast's biology program outperforms most Florida schools despite modest starting salaries. Earning $37,681 by year four, graduates here beat 60% of biology programs statewide—a meaningful edge in a state where the typical biology degree starts at just $27,034. The 27% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing relatively quickly, though the $29,635 starting salary means the first year or two will likely require careful budgeting or family support.

The debt picture is reasonable: $23,000 is below both state and national medians for biology degrees, translating to monthly payments around $250. Combined with the upward earnings trajectory, most graduates should be able to manage this load without major lifestyle sacrifices by their mid-twenties. It's worth noting this program ranks in the 34th percentile nationally—unremarkable compared to biology programs across the country, but competitive within Florida's more constrained job market.

For Florida residents paying in-state tuition, this represents solid value if your child is committed to biology and understands the field typically requires patience before reaching comfortable earnings. The strong state ranking matters here: better to be above-average in the market where you'll likely work than chasing national prestige at twice the cost.