Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $39,087 at Southern Methodist University come in 21% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology, General 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, General'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, General 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.