Biology at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

UW-La Crosse biology graduates see their earnings jump 55% between years one and four—a growth trajectory that transforms what starts as a modest $36,823 into a competitive $57,123. While the initial salary lands just above Wisconsin's median for biology programs, that four-year mark tells a different story about career progression. Among Wisconsin's 29 biology programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Edgewood and Ripon but outperforming most state options. Nationally, it reaches the 78th percentile, suggesting the program punches above its weight beyond regional comparisons.

The $24,034 debt load creates a manageable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio—lower than both state and national medians for biology degrees. Given that 73% of applicants gain admission, this represents an accessible path to a solid science degree without the debt burden that plagues many pre-med or research-focused biology tracks.

For parents weighing Wisconsin options, this program offers something valuable: steady career acceleration rather than immediate payoff. The strong four-year earnings indicate graduates are finding their footing in healthcare, research, or graduate programs. It's not the flashiest starting salary among Wisconsin biology degrees, but the growth pattern and reasonable debt make it a pragmatic choice for students who can weather those early years.