Biology at Florida International University

FIU's biology program delivers a stark reality check: graduates start with earnings barely above minimum wage at $21,529, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally. Even among Florida biology programs, this ranks only in the 25th percentile, trailing significantly behind the state median of $27,034. Community colleges like Miami Dade and St. Petersburg actually produce biology graduates earning $13,000-16,000 more right out of college.

The program's saving grace lies in its dramatic earnings trajectory and manageable debt load. With 86% earnings growth by year four, graduates see their income nearly double to over $40,000. The $15,000 median debt is substantially lower than both the national ($25,000) and state ($21,750) averages, creating a debt-to-income ratio that becomes quite reasonable as earnings climb. This debt advantage ranks in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of biology programs saddle students with more debt.

For parents, this creates a challenging calculation. Your child will likely struggle financially in those crucial first years after graduation, potentially living at home or requiring financial support. However, the combination of strong earnings growth and low debt means the investment should pay off by the mid-twenties. If your family can weather those initial lean years, FIU's biology program offers a path to reasonable outcomes without crushing debt.