Biology at Jackson State University

Jackson State's biology program graduates earn less than the national average but actually perform in the middle of the pack for Mississippi, where life science earnings trend notably lower than in other states. Starting at $25,354 and climbing to nearly $34,000 by year four represents solid growth—34% over three years—though the debt load of $29,000 creates a challenging first couple of years when earnings are weakest.

Here's the practical reality: a debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0 means graduates are borrowing more than they'll make in their first year. That's manageable if you're headed to medical school or another graduate program where these early earnings don't matter much, but it's financially tight for graduates entering the workforce directly. The program ranks 60th percentile in Mississippi, meaning it outperforms half of the state's biology programs while serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body—students who typically have fewer financial safety nets.

If your child plans to pursue medical school, graduate studies, or professional programs where a biology degree is a stepping stone, this could work. But if they're planning to enter the job market with just the bachelor's degree, that $29,000 debt against initial earnings below $26,000 will require careful financial planning. The strongest comparable outcome in the state is Alcorn State at $27,600, which isn't dramatically different, suggesting this reflects Mississippi's broader life science job market more than any specific program weakness.