Biology at University of Nevada-Reno

Biology graduates from the University of Nevada-Reno start at $35,617—already ahead of 71% of biology programs nationally—but the real story is what happens next. By year four, earnings jump to nearly $49,000, a 37% increase that suggests these graduates are landing positions with genuine career progression rather than stalling in lab tech or retail jobs. Among Nevada's four biology programs, UNR ranks in the 80th percentile for earnings, substantially outperforming UNLV despite the Las Vegas campus being in a larger metro area.

The debt picture requires context. At $20,153, it sits below the program's national median of $25,000, though it's in the 81st percentile nationally—meaning most biology programs carry even less debt. Still, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57, graduates should be able to manage payments without financial distress, especially as their earnings climb in subsequent years.

For a parent concerned about biology's reputation as a low-paying major, UNR offers reassurance. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates aren't stuck in dead-end jobs, and the relatively modest debt load makes this a manageable investment. If your student is Nevada-based and serious about biology, UNR is the clear in-state choice, delivering better outcomes than the alternatives at a reasonable cost.