Biology at Iowa State University

Iowa State's biology program starts slower than other Iowa options but demonstrates something crucial: strong earnings momentum. While first-year earnings of $32,528 trail the state median by about $2,000—placing it in just the 40th percentile statewide—graduates see their income jump 57% to $51,094 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the initial gap, especially when paired with manageable debt of $24,614.

The value calculation here depends on timing. Right out of college, graduates from Upper Iowa or Grand View earn nearly $11,000 more annually, which could make those first loan payments easier. But Iowa State biology graduates appear to catch up within a few years, and the debt load sits comfortably below Iowa's median for the field. The 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio, while not stellar initially, improves substantially as earnings grow.

For families concerned about immediate post-graduation finances, this program requires some patience. But if your student can weather a modest first year or two—perhaps through living at home or a side job—the growth trajectory suggests solid long-term prospects. The robust sample size also means these aren't fluky numbers; this pattern is real and repeatable for Iowa State biology graduates.