Biology at Mississippi College

A $17,342 starting salary after earning a biology degree is troubling, even accounting for Mississippi's lower cost of living. While this program performs better than the worst biology programs in the state (25th percentile), it falls dramatically short of both the state median ($21,325) and sits in just the 5th percentile nationally. The small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, but even with that caveat, the gap is too wide to dismiss.

The $25,000 median debt load is typical for biology programs, but paired with these first-year earnings, graduates face a debt-to-income ratio of 1.44—meaning they owe nearly 18 months of gross salary. Compare this to Alcorn State biology graduates who earn $27,607, or even University of Mississippi at $21,325, and it's clear that Mississippi College's biology program leaves students at a financial disadvantage relative to in-state alternatives that likely cost less.

Biology degrees often lead to graduate school or positions requiring additional credentials, which might explain the low initial earnings. But if your child is counting on working immediately after graduation—whether to pay down debt or fund further education—this program's track record suggests they'll struggle more than peers from other Mississippi schools. Consider whether the private school premium here delivers enough non-financial value to offset a $10,000 annual earnings gap compared to state flagship alternatives.