Biology at Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View A&M's biology program starts graduates at nearly $3,500 below the Texas median, placing them in the bottom 40% of state programs, but the trajectory tells a more promising story. By year four, earnings jump 42% to $41,030—surpassing not just the state median but also initial earnings at better-ranked programs like Texas State and Saint Edward's. This growth pattern is particularly notable given the university's mission: 62% of students receive Pell grants, meaning many come from families that couldn't otherwise afford a four-year degree.

The $31,000 debt load sits above both state and national medians for biology programs, though that first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.07 improves significantly as graduates advance. The real question is whether your child can navigate those tougher first few years—when loan payments begin but earnings haven't caught up yet. Compare this to top Texas programs where graduates start at $35,000-$39,000 but may not show the same earnings acceleration.

For families prioritizing long-term outcomes over immediate post-graduation earnings, this program delivers measurable career momentum. Just ensure you have a financial cushion for those crucial first two years when the math is tightest.