Biology at Valdosta State University

Valdosta State's biology program starts slow but catches up fast—median earnings jump from $28,628 in year one to $42,483 by year four, a 48% increase that ultimately pushes graduates past the national median for the degree. That first year can be rough, but the trajectory matters more than the starting point for a biology bachelor's, where many graduates need time to land lab positions or complete additional credentials.

The debt picture is notably favorable: at $28,500, it sits in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of biology programs saddle students with more debt), and it's only slightly above Georgia's median. More importantly, while this program ranks just 28th percentile nationally in first-year earnings, it climbs to the 60th percentile among Georgia's 49 biology programs—outperforming the state median by a solid margin. That's meaningful when in-state tuition makes Valdosta State a realistic option for most Georgia families.

The catch is that moderate sample size and the reality that biology degrees often serve as stepping stones rather than endpoints. If your student plans to pursue graduate school, clinical work, or research positions, that strong year-four number suggests the degree opens doors. If they're hoping to stop at the bachelor's level, understand that early-career earnings will require patience and likely some strategic job hunting before hitting their stride.