Biology at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

UT-Knoxville's biology program starts slow but finishes strong. That $27,487 first-year salary sits well below the national median of $32,316, placing this program in just the 22nd percentile nationally. But look four years out: earnings jump 62% to $44,486, suggesting graduates are successfully moving into better positions—whether in research, healthcare, or graduate programs. The moderate debt load of $23,579 becomes more manageable as earnings accelerate.

The state comparison reveals an interesting dynamic. Against Tennessee's 37 biology programs, UT-Knoxville lands squarely at the median for first-year earnings (60th percentile), yet trails regional competitors like Middle Tennessee State ($35,986) and University of Memphis ($32,145) by substantial margins. This isn't about UT-Knoxville being a weak flagship—it's about biology bachelor's degrees typically serving as stepping stones. Many graduates spend that first year in low-paying lab positions, internships, or grad school preparation before their careers gain momentum.

The real question is whether your student plans to stop at a bachelor's degree or continue their education. If they're aiming for medical school, graduate research, or other advanced credentials, UT-Knoxville's strong academic reputation (average SAT of 1304) matters more than these early-career numbers. But if they need immediate earning power after graduation, other Tennessee programs demonstrate that's achievable in this field—just not here.