Biology at Saginaw Valley State University

Biology graduates from Saginaw Valley State earn nearly $50,000 within four years—a 42% jump from their starting salary that significantly outpaces the typical biology trajectory. More importantly, these outcomes place the program in the 80th percentile among Michigan biology programs, where the state median sits at just $27,334. That's a substantial advantage for students who plan to work in-state after graduation.

The debt picture is reasonable: at $24,932, it's slightly below both national and state medians for biology programs. With first-year earnings of $35,216, graduates face manageable debt loads that improve dramatically as their careers progress. The strong four-year earnings figure suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into better-paying roles—whether that's graduate school, clinical research, or professional positions that value the degree.

For a public institution with a 73% admission rate, these outcomes are impressive. Biology majors here outperform peers at several more selective Michigan schools, likely reflecting strong regional employer relationships or effective career placement. If your student is considering biology and plans to stay in Michigan, this program delivers better-than-average results at below-average debt levels. The key question is whether those four-year earnings meet your family's expectations for a biology degree's financial return.