Biology at University of Miami

A University of Miami biology degree starts with alarmingly low earnings—just $17,571 one year out—but quadruples to $41,518 by year four, ultimately exceeding both Florida's median ($27,034) and the national benchmark ($32,316). The problem is what happens during those first few years. At a highly selective private university with a 19% admission rate, biology graduates are earning less than Florida community college graduates initially, suggesting many enter graduate programs, post-baccalaureate research positions, or medical school prerequisites that severely depress early earnings.

The debt picture offers some relief: at $16,991, it's substantially below both state and national averages, making those lean early years more manageable than at peer institutions. However, ranking in just the 10th percentile among Florida biology programs for first-year earnings means your child will likely be watching peers from less prestigious schools earn twice as much immediately after graduation. By year four, Miami graduates catch up and surpass most competitors, but that requires either family financial support or tolerance for a prolonged period of minimal income.

This program makes sense if your child is headed to medical, dental, or graduate school where the Miami credential matters. For students planning to work immediately with a bachelor's degree, several Florida universities deliver stronger early earnings without requiring years of financial sacrifice. The relatively low debt helps, but cannot fully offset the opportunity cost of those first years.