Biology at Grambling State University

Grambling State's biology program occupies an unusual middle ground: it ranks in the 60th percentile among Louisiana biology programs but just the 21st percentile nationally. First-year earnings of $27,164 match the state median exactly, suggesting the program delivers typical outcomes for Louisiana—which itself lags behind the national biology market. The manageable debt load of $33,187, while higher than Louisiana's median, still puts Grambling in the 5th percentile nationally for student debt, meaning 95% of biology programs nationwide leave students with more debt.

The real story here is momentum. Earnings jump 58% by year four to $42,857, well above both state and national medians for biology graduates. This trajectory matters for a program serving 72% Pell Grant recipients—students from low-income families who need upward mobility, not just a credential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.22, while requiring careful loan management initially, becomes far more sustainable as earnings grow.

For families choosing between Louisiana biology programs, Grambling offers competitive value despite its modest first-year numbers. The program costs less than half what top performers like Loyola charge, yet graduates see strong earnings growth that outpaces peers within a few years. If your child can handle the initial lean years and you're keeping costs reasonable through in-state attendance, this path can work—just set realistic expectations about those early paychecks.