by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Biology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/general-biology/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their general biology graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find where general biology graduates earn the most.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send general biology graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Northern State University the top school for general biology graduate earnings in South Dakota. Northern State University is a public school located in the town of Aberdeen. General Biology graduates of Northern State University earn a median of about $64,107 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in general biology will find them at Augustana College South Dakota, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Augustana College South Dakota is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the general biology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $57,981.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Sioux Falls earned it the #3 place for general biology. Located in the city of Sioux Falls, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the general biology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $46,229.
A rank of #4 makes University Of South Dakota one of the highest-paying schools for general biology. Set in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Early-career general biology graduates from University Of South Dakota make a median of around $64,695 per year.
South Dakota State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Brookings, South Dakota State University is a public institution. After graduating, general biology degree recipients from South Dakota State University typically earn about $58,408 annually.
Black Hills State University placed #6 among the highest-paying schools for general biology. Set in the town of Spearfish, Black Hills State University is a public institution. General Biology graduates of Black Hills State University earn a median of about $33,518 a year early in their careers.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries general biology graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.