Analysis
Louisiana biology programs typically leave graduates with debt in the low-to-mid $20,000s, and this program's estimated $22,187 matches that pattern while delivering substantially stronger earnings outcomes. At $36,095 in first-year earnings, graduates here outperform the state median by over $8,900βplacing them in the top 20% of Louisiana biology programs and top 25% nationally.
The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 suggests manageable repayment: graduates would owe roughly seven months of gross income, well below concerning thresholds. Based on comparable programs across Louisiana, biology graduates from similar institutions typically face monthly loan payments around $240 on standard 10-year plansβworkable on a $36,000 starting salary, though not without budgeting carefully in those early years.
The caveat is that we're working with estimated debt figures here, derived from peer programs at similar Louisiana institutions rather than actual reported outcomes for this specific program's graduates. Still, the earnings figure itself ranks at the very top of Louisiana biology programs, suggesting strong placement or post-graduate opportunities. For families comfortable with modest educational debt and confident their student will complete the degree, the earning potential appears solid compared to state alternatives.
Where Southern University Law Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern University Law Center graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β | $36,095 | β | $22,187* | β | |
| $9,940 | $36,095 | $34,441 | $33,000* | 0.91 | |
| $9,172 | $33,784 | $43,666 | $22,500* | 0.67 | |
| $8,373 | $30,865 | $40,453 | $20,062* | 0.65 | |
| $47,240 | $30,181 | β | $27,000* | 0.89 | |
| $8,460 | $28,276 | β | $20,869* | 0.74 | |
| National Median | β | $32,316 | β | $25,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.