Biology at Nevada State University

Nevada State University's biology program shows $28,205 in first-year earnings—about $4,000 below the national median but perfectly aligned with Nevada's state median. This is a notably young institution, and with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these figures could shift dramatically as the program matures. The debt load of $21,195 is reasonable at 75% of first-year income, meaning most graduates could realistically pay this off within a standard repayment period.

The state context is worth understanding: Nevada has limited biology program options, and this program sits right in the middle. UNR graduates earn significantly more ($35,617), while UNLV comes in slightly lower ($24,989). If your child is weighing Nevada State against these alternatives, the earnings gap with UNR is substantial—about $7,400 annually—and could compound over a career.

The real question is what comes next. Biology bachelor's degrees often serve as stepping stones to graduate school, healthcare careers, or lab positions that require additional training. At this salary level, graduates need a clear plan for career advancement or further education. For a student committed to staying in the Henderson area or seeking a smaller college environment, the manageable debt is a plus. But if maximizing immediate earning potential matters, particularly for someone who needs to start working right after graduation, the in-state alternatives deserve serious consideration despite Nevada State's lower cost of attendance.