Biology at Loyola University New Orleans

A $30,181 starting salary for biology graduates represents a challenging launch into either the workforce or graduate school, though Loyola performs better than most Louisiana programs in this field. While the school ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—beating the state median by over $3,000—it still trails the national average by about $2,100. The debt load of $27,000 sits well below most biology programs nationally (5th percentile), which helps offset the modest earnings somewhat.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary, making loan repayment tight on an entry-level biology salary. Most biology majors at this level either pursue graduate education or work in labs and research positions that don't pay well initially. If your student plans on medical school, a master's program, or another advanced degree, these first-year earnings matter less than the manageable debt load. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, the salary will require careful budgeting.

One major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, for Louisiana families, Loyola's biology program represents a middle-ground option—more expensive than public universities like UNO or Southeastern Louisiana, but with lower debt burdens than many private schools nationally. The value proposition depends heavily on whether graduate school is part of the plan.