Biology at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University's biology program produces graduates who earn slightly above both national and state medians, ranking in the 60th percentile among Alabama biology programs. At $33,236 in the first year, graduates outperform the state median of $30,038, though they trail the top-performing programs at Athens State and UAH by about $3,500-3,700. What's more encouraging is the trajectory: earnings climb to $40,744 by year four, a 23% increase that suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying positions.

The $22,000 debt load is notably lower than both state and national medians of $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66—meaning graduates owe less than eight months' salary. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (43%), this combination of below-average debt and above-average outcomes represents genuine accessibility. The main consideration is that biology remains a challenging field for bachelor's-level graduates unless they're pursuing graduate school or specialized certifications. Those planning to stop at the bachelor's should understand that $33,000-40,000 represents the typical range for lab technicians and research assistants, not clinical positions.

If your child is using this as a stepping stone to medical, dental, or graduate school, the lower debt burden is a real advantage. For those planning to enter the workforce directly, be sure they have a clear plan for differentiating themselves through internships or technical certifications.