Biology at University of Nebraska at Omaha

A biology degree from UNO costs significantly less in debt than typical biology programs—about $4,000 below the national median and $5,000 less than Nebraska's average. Combined with starting salaries that beat 73% of biology programs nationally, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in about a year's salary.

Within Nebraska, UNO ranks as the second-highest earner among biology programs, trailing only Bellevue University and notably ahead of more selective private schools like Creighton. The first-year salary of $35,831 jumps to $41,587 by year four—a 16% increase that suggests graduates are finding stable career paths, whether in healthcare, research, or other scientific fields. This trajectory matters for a field where many graduates pursue additional education or certification while working.

For families weighing the investment, UNO's combination of lower debt and above-average earnings makes this one of the stronger biology programs in the region. The 87% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, and graduates aren't saddled with the debt loads that plague biology majors at many institutions. If your student is considering pre-med or another graduate path, starting with less debt is a real advantage.