Biology at Wayne State College

Wayne State College's biology program stands out for one crucial reason: graduates leave with roughly $7,000 less debt than the typical Nebraska biology major, while earning the state median. That 60th percentile ranking among Nebraska programs might sound modest, but the real story is the debt load—at just $18,761, it's lower than 87% of biology programs nationwide. For a field where many graduates pursue additional schooling, starting with less undergraduate debt creates meaningful financial flexibility.

The first-year earnings of $32,538 mirror both state and national medians almost exactly, though several Nebraska schools do push graduates into the high $30,000s. However, be aware this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is solid—you'd expect to earn nearly twice what you borrowed in your first year.

For families watching costs closely, this program delivers reasonable value: market-rate preparation at below-market debt. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation rather than pursuing medical or graduate school, those higher-earning programs might justify their extra cost. But if grad school is likely, minimizing undergraduate debt here makes Wayne State a financially sensible foundation for the long academic road ahead.