Biology at Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University keeps debt remarkably low—$13,125 ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for biology programs, meaning only 5% of biology bachelor's programs nationwide leave students with less debt. That's nearly half the national median of $25,000 and well below Utah's typical $17,475. With first-year earnings estimated around $38,427 based on similar Utah biology programs, graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.34, making this one of the more manageable debt loads you'll find in the life sciences.

The earnings trajectory looks solid by four years out, with the median climbing to $42,285—putting graduates well above the national biology benchmark of $32,316 and competitive with larger Utah institutions like the University of Utah. While we're working with estimates for that first-year figure (drawn from comparable Utah programs), the four-year number is actual data from SUU graduates, and it suggests the program delivers outcomes in line with state peers.

For a family weighing biology programs, this comes down to cost control. SUU's low debt burden gives graduates breathing room that many biology majors don't have—important in a field where many pursue additional education or take lower-paying research positions early in their careers. The estimated earnings are middle-of-the-pack for Utah, but paired with the minimal debt, graduates leave with genuine financial flexibility rather than pressure to immediately maximize income.