Biology at Southern University and A & M College

Southern University's biology program outperforms 80% of Louisiana biology programs in first-year earnings, which matters when most students from this HBCU will likely stay in-state. At $36,095 initially, graduates earn significantly more than the state median of $27,164 and land in the 75th percentile nationally. The debt load of $33,000 is remarkably low—beating 95% of biology programs nationally—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 that few programs can match.

The concern here is what happens next: earnings actually drop to $34,441 by year four, suggesting many graduates may be working in entry-level lab or research positions without clear advancement paths. This pattern is common in biology, where career progression often requires graduate school. However, the strong initial earnings and modest debt give graduates flexibility—they can afford to pursue additional education or pivot to healthcare, education, or other fields without being crushed by undergraduate debt.

For families considering this program, the value proposition is solid if your student has a clear plan. The low debt burden is a genuine advantage, especially at a school serving primarily Pell Grant recipients (65%). Just ensure your student understands that a bachelor's in biology often serves as a stepping stone rather than a direct career launch, and factor in potential graduate school costs when planning long-term.