Biology at University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana's biology graduates earn significantly more than the national median—ranking in the 89th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $38,985 compared to $32,316 nationally. That's compelling evidence of strong outcomes, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data. Within Indiana, this program sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing powerhouses like Indiana State and Purdue but beating many competitors.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,375, translating to a 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe less than two-thirds of their first-year salary. More encouraging is the 26% earnings growth by year four, reaching $49,171, which suggests these biology graduates are finding career traction rather than hitting an early ceiling. For a highly accessible institution (95% admission rate), these outcomes punch above expectations.

The caveat here is that small sample sizes can be misleading—a few high earners in fields like pharmaceutical sales or biotechnology could skew the average. But if these numbers hold, this represents solid value: modest debt, strong national standing, and graduates who see meaningful salary growth in their first few years. For an in-state student keeping costs down, it's worth serious consideration alongside the pricier alternatives.