Biology at Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State's biology program serves a predominantly low-income student body—72% receive Pell grants—with manageable debt loads that rank in the 5th percentile nationally. That's the good news. The challenge is that first-year earnings of $26,379 fall well below both the national median ($32,316) and lag behind several Georgia state schools, placing this program at the 40th percentile statewide. Students at Middle Georgia State, for instance, earn roughly $9,000 more right out of the gate.

The 42% earnings growth to $37,568 by year four is meaningful and suggests the degree does open doors over time, eventually approaching national averages. However, students face a tight initial squeeze with debt nearly equal to their first year's salary. For families where affordability is paramount and staying close to home matters, the relatively low debt burden offers some protection. But if your child has options at Georgia College, Kennesaw State, or other programs in the top tier of state performance, those alternatives deliver stronger starting salaries with similar or only slightly higher debt.

This program works best for students committed to biology who need the access and support of a smaller HBCU environment and can navigate the financially lean first years after graduation. For families with flexibility, exploring those higher-earning Georgia alternatives would provide more immediate breathing room.