Biology at Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State's Biology program punches above its weight, with graduates earning nearly $38,000 in their first year—placing them in the 84th percentile nationally and ahead of more selective Missouri institutions like Mizzou. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within Missouri (a competitive state for biology), it trails only Missouri Western and UMKC among similar-sized programs. The $26,000 median debt sits right at the national average, creating a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio that most families can navigate with standard repayment plans.

The real strength here is trajectory: earnings jump 26% to nearly $48,000 by year four, suggesting graduates are moving into better positions rather than plateauing in entry-level lab work. This growth pattern, combined with the modest debt load, means graduates aren't stuck in the common biology trap of low wages relative to education requirements. For an institution with an 86% admission rate, these outcomes are notably strong.

For Missouri families weighing affordability against outcomes, this program delivers solid value. Your student won't have the prestige of flagship credentials, but they'll likely earn more in their first job than many Mizzou biology grads while carrying similar debt—and the moderate sample size suggests these results are reasonably stable over time.