Biology at Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana's Biology program outperforms most Louisiana schools while keeping debt below the national average—a combination that matters for families comparing in-state options. At $40,453 after four years, graduates earn significantly more than Louisiana's state median of $27,164 for biology majors, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $20,062 in typical debt is also lower than both state and national benchmarks, creating a more manageable financial picture than you'll find at many alternatives.

The earnings trajectory here deserves attention: graduates see 31% income growth from year one to year four, suggesting the degree opens doors that expand over time rather than hitting a ceiling early. That said, even after this growth, earnings remain below the national median for biology programs. This reflects Louisiana's broader economic landscape—even the state's top biology programs rarely crack $37,000 in median earnings.

For Louisiana families, this program delivers solid value compared to peer institutions. The debt load is reasonable, and the earnings growth pattern suggests graduates gain traction in their careers. Just understand that biology degrees generally lead to modest starting salaries, particularly in Louisiana, so this field makes most sense if your student plans for graduate school or is genuinely passionate about the sciences rather than treating it as a general-purpose degree.