Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $39,087 at Southern Methodist University come in 21% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology programs.
The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $39,087 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #639 of 822 Biology programs, Southern Methodist University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $59,316 show a 52% jump from the $39,087 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.