Biology at University of Missouri-St Louis

UMSL's biology program starts graduates at below-average salaries—$32,400 versus a state median of $33,761—but something notable happens by year four. Earnings jump 52% to over $49,000, which is well above where most Missouri biology graduates end up. While the program ranks in the 40th percentile among Missouri schools initially, that strong trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing in healthcare, research, or other professional roles that value the degree after those critical first few years.

The debt load here is genuinely modest: $27,000 is below both state and national averages, and represents less than a year's salary even at the starting wage. This is a program where the numbers tilt favorably once you look past that first job out of college. The trajectory matters more than the starting point, especially for biology majors who often need time to complete additional training or move into better-paying positions.

For parents evaluating cost versus outcome, this looks like a reasonable path. Your student won't start with the highest salary among Missouri biology grads—schools like Missouri Western and UMKC place graduates at $40,000+ right away—but they also won't carry crushing debt, and the earnings growth is stronger than typical. If your child is considering graduate school or healthcare professional programs, the lower debt burden becomes even more valuable.