Biology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Texas A&M-Kingsville's biology program starts its graduates at just $27,493—about $5,000 below the Texas median and in the bottom quarter nationally. But here's what matters: four years out, these graduates see their earnings jump 48% to $40,569, moving them from below-average to competitive within Texas (40th percentile statewide). This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to healthcare, lab, or graduate program pathways that take time to materialize, though the initial salary gap is real.

The $25,281 in median debt sits close to national norms, creating a manageable 0.92 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. That first-year figure will feel tight—imagine a new graduate earning $2,300 monthly before taxes while managing loan payments—but the strong earnings growth provides breathing room relatively quickly. With 55% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already weighing college against immediate workforce entry, making that initial earning period particularly consequential.

For families considering this program: it's a solid value if your student can weather the first few years at below-market wages, perhaps by living at home or pursuing additional credentials like nursing school or a master's degree. The program serves its mission as an accessible biology pathway for South Texas students, but those seeking immediate post-graduation earnings should look at the University of Houston-Clear Lake or Texas State, both offering $7,000-plus more in year-one salaries.