Biology at University of Sioux Falls

University of Sioux Falls biology graduates earn $46,229 in their first year—nearly $13,000 above the state median and over $10,000 more than Black Hills State, the next-best performer among South Dakota's biology programs. That 80th percentile state ranking and 95th percentile national standing are remarkable for a program with an 82% admission rate. The debt load of $25,196 is right at national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 that most families would consider manageable.

The major caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. A small cohort where several students land strong positions can inflate the median, while a few struggling graduates next year might drop it considerably. For an anxious parent, this uncertainty matters—you're betting on whether your child's experience will match this cohort's rather than relying on the stable patterns you'd see at larger programs.

Still, outperforming every other South Dakota biology program by thousands of dollars suggests something real is happening—perhaps stronger pre-health advising, better internship connections, or graduates successfully moving into higher-paying technical roles rather than typical entry-level lab work. If your student thrives in smaller classroom settings and you're staying in-state, this program merits serious consideration despite the statistical uncertainty. Just understand you're working with a limited track record rather than overwhelming evidence.