Biology at South Carolina State University

South Carolina State graduates with biology degrees face a challenging financial start, earning just $25,938 in their first year—well below both the state median ($30,286) and the national median ($32,316). While this program sits at the 40th percentile within South Carolina, meaning it performs close to the middle of the pack statewide, that's cold comfort when the immediate post-graduation reality involves stretched budgets and difficult debt-to-income calculations. The $31,000 in student debt translates to payments that will consume a significant portion of entry-level earnings.

The story does improve with time. By year four, earnings climb to $34,839—a 34% increase that suggests graduates are finding better-positioned roles or advancing in their careers. However, even this improved figure barely exceeds the national first-year average, indicating these graduates spend their early career years playing catch-up. For a family sending their student to South Carolina State, the 68% Pell grant rate reflects a community where many can't afford financial missteps.

If your child is certain about biology and committed to graduate school or specialized training where the bachelor's serves as a stepping stone, this path could work. But for those expecting the degree alone to launch a stable career, understand that the first few years will require financial discipline and possibly additional credentials to reach comfortable earnings levels.