Biology at The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP's biology program starts graduates at remarkably low earnings—just $22,167 in the first year, placing it in the bottom 5% nationally and well below Texas's median of $30,432. That 25th percentile ranking among Texas biology programs means even accounting for El Paso's lower cost of living, three-quarters of comparable programs in the state deliver better initial outcomes. The relatively manageable debt of $18,479 provides little comfort when you're making barely above minimum wage with a bachelor's degree.

The dramatic turnaround to $42,562 by year four tells a more complex story. That 92% earnings jump suggests many graduates eventually find their footing—perhaps moving into healthcare, research, or graduate programs—but the painful first years matter enormously. You're spending those early career years at poverty-level wages when compound interest on debt (even modest debt) and career momentum matter most. Compare this to nearby Texas State, where graduates start at $34,516, and the opportunity cost becomes stark.

For families already in the El Paso area where UTEP's accessibility and affordability matter most, this program can work if your child has a clear path to graduate school or specific career training. But the four-year wait for decent earnings is a real hardship, and you'd be justified in questioning whether a 100% acceptance rate institution is providing the mentorship and connections biology students need to avoid those brutal first years.