Biology at Southern Oregon University

Southern Oregon University's biology program shows modest but real advantages over Oregon's typical outcomes, though the small graduate sample means these numbers could shift. At $33,930 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about 10% more than the state median for biology majors, placing them solidly in the middle of the pack nationally and within Oregon. The debt picture looks particularly favorable—$27,000 is manageable given the earnings, and it's notably lower than what most biology programs nationally saddle students with.

The 9% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are finding some traction in the job market, though they're not catching up to peers at Linfield or UO who start with a significant advantage. Biology is notoriously challenging as a bachelor's-level field, often serving as a stepping stone to graduate school rather than a direct career path. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.8 means students could theoretically pay off loans in under a year of full salary—that's a reasonable foundation whether they head straight to work or continue their education.

For families looking at Oregon options without elite-school price tags, this represents a low-risk entry point into the biological sciences. Just remember that biology careers often require additional credentials beyond the bachelor's degree, so factor in whether graduate school is part of the plan when evaluating the full investment.