Biology at Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri S&T's biology graduates start modestly at $33,761 but see something crucial happen by year four: earnings jump 45% to nearly $49,000. This growth trajectory outpaces typical biology programs and suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying positions—whether in industry, lab management, or professional school prerequisites that lead to career advancement. While the first-year number sits right at Missouri's median, that robust earnings growth tells a different story than what you'll find at most biology programs, where graduates often plateau in entry-level lab tech roles.

The $25,250 debt load is almost exactly what you'd expect nationally and in Missouri, making this a straightforward value calculation: can your student handle relatively modest starting pay in exchange for strong upward momentum? The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 is manageable, especially given where earnings head by year four. It's worth noting that top Missouri programs like Missouri Western and UMKC show stronger first-year earnings, but this may reflect different student pathways—S&T's technical focus could mean more graduates pursuing graduate degrees or specialized certifications that pay off later.

For families comfortable with a patient investment strategy, this program offers solid fundamentals. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and graduates appear to be finding their footing after the initial transition period.