Biology at University of Florida

Despite University of Florida's prestigious reputation, its biology program delivers disappointing early career outcomes that should concern parents. With first-year earnings of just $24,713—ranking in the 11th percentile nationally and below even Florida's modest state median of $27,034—graduates face a challenging financial start. The program performs worse than community colleges like Miami Dade and St. Petersburg College, which produce biology graduates earning $10,000+ more immediately after graduation.

The silver lining lies in the program's exceptional earnings growth trajectory. Graduates see their income nearly double by year four, reaching $47,840—a 94% increase that transforms early struggles into competitive mid-career positioning. This dramatic improvement suggests UF biology graduates may be pursuing graduate school or specialized training that pays off significantly over time. The relatively manageable debt load of $16,536 (well below both state and national medians) helps make those lean early years more survivable.

For families, this creates a clear tradeoff: accept several years of below-average earnings in exchange for strong long-term growth potential and minimal debt burden. If your child can handle financial constraints early in their career—whether through family support, graduate school, or careful budgeting—UF's biology program ultimately delivers solid value. However, students needing immediate earning power after graduation should seriously consider the higher-performing alternatives within Florida's state system.