Biology at Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University's biology program punches well above its weight. Despite the university's 99% admission rate and modest test scores, graduates earn $36,536 in their first year—outperforming 77% of biology programs nationally and ranking in the 60th percentile among Oklahoma schools. That's solid positioning for a regional public university serving a significant population of Pell Grant recipients.

The debt picture reinforces the value story. At $21,701, students borrow less than both the national median ($25,000) and Oklahoma median ($22,000) for biology degrees, while earning more. The 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face manageable repayment, with strong earnings growth to $47,339 by year four providing additional breathing room. This matters especially for biology students, who often pursue graduate school or entry-level lab positions before their careers accelerate.

The main caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Oklahoma families seeking an accessible biology degree that outperforms the state median while keeping debt reasonable, NSU delivers results that contradict its open-admission profile. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt makes this worth serious consideration, particularly for students who might thrive better at a less selective institution.