Biology at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's biology program follows an increasingly common pattern: graduates who stick with their field see strong income growth, but getting through that first year requires serious patience. At just $29,028, first-year earnings fall below both the Texas median ($30,432) and national average ($32,316), landing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. However, four years out, earnings jump 83% to $53,216—well above what most biology graduates earn anywhere in the country. This suggests many grads pursue graduate degrees or clinical roles that take time to materialize into higher pay.

The $17,943 in median debt is remarkably low, particularly for a program at a flagship research university. This gives graduates breathing room during those lean early years when many are completing additional training or working in lower-paid research positions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means even with modest first-year salaries, loan payments remain manageable.

For parents, the key question is whether your child will pursue the path that leads to those strong year-four earnings—medical school, graduate research, clinical positions—or whether they're likely to pivot to another field. If they're committed to a science or health career that requires persistence through lower early earnings, the combination of affordable debt and eventual strong income growth makes this work. If they're uncertain about their direction, those first-year numbers become harder to justify, even at an affordable price.