Biology at The University of Texas at Arlington

UTA's biology program delivers something many higher-ranked schools don't: dramatic income growth coupled with exceptionally low debt. While graduates start at the Texas median ($30,432), they're earning $49,296 just three years later—a 62% jump that suggests graduates are successfully moving beyond entry-level lab positions into better-paying roles. That debt load of $17,500 is remarkably light—less than half the national average and about $6,000 below the Texas median—which buys crucial breathing room during those early-career years.

The state context matters here: UTA ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas biology programs, performing better than state medians despite serving a population where 40% receive Pell grants. Yes, schools like SMU see their grads starting at $39k, but that typically comes with substantially more debt. UTA's value proposition is particularly strong for students pursuing graduate or professional schools, where minimizing undergraduate debt is strategic. The low debt-to-earnings ratio (0.58) means a year's salary nearly doubles what you owe—giving flexibility whether you're heading to med school applications or starting work immediately.

For families watching their budget, this is a biology degree that won't force crushing debt-service payments during gap years or graduate programs. The strong earnings trajectory suggests UTA grads are competitive in the job market, even if they're not commanding top dollar immediately out of college.