Biology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

SIUE's biology program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 85th percentile nationally and delivering earnings 18% higher than the typical Illinois biology program—all while maintaining below-average debt. With first-year earnings of $38,067 climbing to over $50,000 by year four, this represents genuine upward mobility for a student body where nearly one-third receive Pell grants.

The debt picture deserves attention: at $22,396, graduates borrow about $3,600 less than the state median, creating a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. While some top Illinois programs like Governors State show slightly higher initial earnings, SIUE's strong growth trajectory and lighter debt load create a compelling value proposition. The 32% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are successfully moving into more specialized roles or graduate programs.

For families weighing an accessible state university against pricier alternatives, SIUE delivers solid ROI. The 97% admission rate means your child can realistically gain entry, and the program's strong placement within Illinois—ranking above 40% of competing programs—indicates employers recognize the degree's value. This isn't a flashy choice, but it's a financially sensible path for biology majors planning careers in healthcare, research, or graduate study.