Biology at University of Alaska Fairbanks

Biology graduates from UAF start with earnings slightly below the national median, but the program's standout feature is exceptionally manageable debt—$13,125 is less than half what biology majors typically carry nationally. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.42, graduates owe roughly five months of their first-year salary, compared to nearly ten months for the typical biology bachelor's recipient.

Within Alaska's limited options for biology programs, UAF performs respectably, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings among the state's three schools. While the $31,392 starting salary won't impress anyone, it climbs 27% to nearly $40,000 by year four—a solid trajectory that suggests graduates find their footing in Alaska's job market or move into better-paying positions. The low debt load means graduates have breathing room to pursue graduate school, accept lower-paying research positions, or build careers without the crushing monthly payments that plague many biology majors.

The main caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary significantly. Still, for Alaska families, UAF's biology program offers what matters most in this field—a credential with minimal financial burden that leaves doors open for the graduate school or specialized training that many biology careers require.