Biology at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead's biology program starts graduates at $32,400—roughly on par with the national average but trailing Minnesota's median by $3,500. That 40th percentile ranking among state biology programs is meaningful context: in a state where competitive in-state options like Saint Cloud State and Metropolitan State produce median earnings above $42,000, this program falls in the bottom half of Minnesota choices.

The silver lining is strong earnings growth—graduates see a 70% jump to $55,000 by year four, suggesting delayed but real career progression. At $20,000 in debt (well below both national and state medians), the financial burden remains manageable. That said, the small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a handful of career outcomes could be skewing these numbers up or down.

For families considering biology programs in Minnesota, this represents a financially accessible option but not necessarily the most lucrative path. If your student is debt-averse and confident they'll push through those early career years, the low debt load provides breathing room. But if maximizing immediate earning potential matters—particularly for students who might not pursue graduate school—other Minnesota public universities show stronger first-year outcomes without significantly higher debt.