Biology at The University of Alabama

Alabama's biology program starts slower than you'd like but gains significant ground over time, with earnings jumping from just under $30,000 to nearly $43,000 by year four. That 43% growth rate is encouraging, though the initial year remains below both national and state medians—landing in the 35th percentile nationally and 40th within Alabama. Athens State and UAH both deliver stronger immediate outcomes for Alabama biology students, posting first-year earnings over $36,000.

The $24,412 in typical debt sits slightly below state and national averages, which helps offset the modest starting salary. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 means graduates are managing roughly manageable payments relative to that first-year income, though they'll likely face a tight budget initially. By year four, when earnings reach $42,650, the financial picture improves considerably—that trajectory suggests students who pursue graduate work or break into better-paying lab positions see real payoff.

For parents, this comes down to career plans. If your child intends biology as a pre-med or pre-grad track where that bachelor's is just step one, Alabama's debt load won't sink them. But if they're counting on immediate financial independence after graduation, understand they'll likely start behind peers at other state schools and need a few years to catch up. The growth is there; the question is whether you can weather the slow start.