Biology at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State's biology program shows stronger momentum than most Texas competitors, with graduates seeing their earnings jump 46% by year four—reaching nearly $48,000. That puts this program in the 60th percentile statewide, outpacing the Texas median of $30,432 and closing in on programs at better-known universities. The starting salary of $32,915 sits slightly below national averages, but the trajectory matters more here than the launch point.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,853, coming in slightly below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, graduates aren't buried—they're earning enough in year one to make payments manageable while their salaries grow. The 40% Pell grant population suggests this program serves many students who might otherwise struggle to access STEM education, and the earnings growth indicates they're finding solid career paths.

For families weighing cost against outcome, this represents a practical choice. You're not paying for Southern Methodist's prestige, but your child won't be far behind their graduates within a few years—and you'll have saved considerably on tuition. The strong sample size (100+ graduates) means these aren't fluky numbers. If your student is considering biology and staying in Texas, this program delivers steady career preparation without the debt load that comes from chasing brand names.