Biology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's biology program outperforms most in-state alternatives while delivering earnings that beat six out of ten biology programs nationwide—a solid result for students who might otherwise struggle to find footing in this notoriously challenging major. The $34,165 starting salary trails typical STEM fields but exceeds both the national biology median ($32,316) and North Dakota's state median ($31,110), positioning graduates ahead of peers at comparable institutions like UND, which starts $6,000 lower.

The real story here is trajectory: earnings jump 46% to nearly $50,000 by year four, suggesting graduates successfully transition into lab roles, research positions, or graduate programs that boost earning potential. The $23,250 debt load sits slightly below national norms and translates to manageable payments relative to mid-career income. That 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than seven months of their starting salary—reasonable for a field where many students pursue additional credentials.

For families concerned about biology's reputation for weak bachelor's-level outcomes, NDSU offers a practical middle path. You're not paying premium prices for marginal results, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) confirms these aren't outliers. Students willing to push past that challenging first year can expect meaningful income growth, making this a viable choice for biology majors committed to the field—particularly those planning to stay in the region where these credentials carry weight.