Biology at Winona State University

Winona State's biology graduates start modestly at $38,666 but jump to $60,023 within four years—a 55% increase that suggests either successful medical school placement or strong career progression into clinical or research roles. While the program ranks in the 88th percentile nationally, it sits at the 60th percentile among Minnesota's 31 biology programs, meaning there are notably stronger options in-state if you're purely focused on first-year outcomes.

The $22,665 in median debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 that improves dramatically as graduates advance. This beats both the state median ($25,499) and national benchmark ($25,000). For context, Saint Cloud State and Metropolitan State both deliver higher starting salaries, but Winona State's trajectory suggests graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying positions—whether that's through graduate programs, healthcare roles, or laboratory positions.

The real question is whether your child plans to pursue additional education or enter the workforce directly. The strong four-year earnings suggest this program effectively prepares students for next steps, but families hoping for immediate high earnings might look at those top-ranked alternatives. For students targeting medical or graduate school who value lower debt and eventual earning power, Winona State delivers solid preparation without excessive financial burden.