Biology at Northern State University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern State University | — | $55,785 | $25,300 | — |
| University of Sioux Falls | $46,229 | — | $25,196 | 0.55 |
| Black Hills State University | $33,518 | — | $26,613 | 0.79 |
| South Dakota State University | $32,940 | $43,780 | $27,000 | 0.82 |
| University of South Dakota | $30,167 | $54,135 | $23,250 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Other Biology Programs in South Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sioux Falls Sioux Falls | $20,740 | $46,229 | $25,196 |
| Black Hills State University Spearfish | $9,000 | $33,518 | $26,613 |
| South Dakota State University Brookings | $9,299 | $32,940 | $27,000 |
| University of South Dakota Vermillion | $9,432 | $30,167 | $23,250 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northern State University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.