Biological and Physical Sciences at Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State's Biological and Physical Sciences graduates start modestly at $31,125, trailing the national median by about $3,000. But here's what matters more: earnings jump 63% by year four to reach $50,653—substantially outpacing the typical growth curve for this field. Among Tennessee's limited options for this program (only four schools offer it statewide), MTSU hits the state median for earnings while keeping debt significantly below average. That $17,750 debt load ranks in the 86th percentile nationally for this major, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more borrowing.

The debt-to-earnings math works in graduates' favor. With a 0.57 ratio, students owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary—manageable territory. The real story unfolds in years two through four, when that robust earnings trajectory transforms the value equation. While you're starting below national averages initially, you're catching up fast with far less debt than peers elsewhere.

For Tennessee families, this represents a practical path: accessible admissions, relatively low borrowing, and strong mid-term earnings growth that compensates for the slower start. The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably reliable, though not based on hundreds of graduates. If your student can handle the patience required for earnings to accelerate and wants to stay in-state, the combination of manageable debt and proven growth makes this a defensible choice.