Biology at University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB biology graduates start at a disappointing $28,127—well below both the national median ($32,316) and Alabama's average ($30,038) for the major. While that 40th percentile ranking among Alabama programs might seem mediocre, it's actually concerning when you consider that Athens State and UAH graduates earn $8,000-$9,000 more in their first year with comparable debt loads.

The program's saving grace is strong earnings growth: salaries jump 44% to $40,480 by year four, suggesting many graduates eventually find their footing in healthcare or graduate programs. That $25,000 debt level is manageable—the 0.89 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than a year's starting salary—but that first year will be financially tight. For comparison, biology grads at top Alabama schools start with cushions that UAB students simply don't have.

This program works best for students who understand they're signing up for a challenging first few years financially, likely requiring additional schooling or credential-building to reach better-paying positions. If your child needs immediate earning power after graduation, the stronger biology programs elsewhere in Alabama offer clearer paths. UAB makes sense primarily for students planning graduate school anyway or those who have compelling reasons to stay in Birmingham.