Biology vs Chemistry
While biology is a classic path to medical school, its real focus is on the vast, interconnected systems of life. The coursework often involves understanding intricate processes and memorizing key information, from cellular pathways to entire ecosystems. This field is a great fit for students fascinated by how organisms work and interact with their environment, but it's important to know that a bachelor's degree is often a stepping stone; many careers in research, healthcare, and policy require a graduate or professional degree for advancement.
Chemistry, by contrast, drills down to the fundamental building blocks of the material world. It's a problem-solving discipline that relies heavily on math and logic to understand why reactions happen and to predict how substances will behave. Students who enjoy puzzles, precise lab work, and quantitative thinking tend to excel, and the degree opens direct paths into industries like food science, forensics, and materials development, in addition to being excellent prep for medical or pharmacy school.
Head-to-Head
| Biology | Chemistry | |
|---|---|---|
| Median Year 1 Earnings | $32,316 | $42,581 |
| Avg. 5-Year Earnings | $60,924 | $68,372 |
| Salary Range (Year 1) | $10,934 – $54,223 | $16,465 – $62,511 |
| Avg. 4-Year Tuition (In-State) | $103,522 | $66,174 |
| Avg. Student Debt | $22,462 | $21,386 |
| 5-Year Salary Growth | +89% | +66% |
| AI Automation Risk | 40% task exposure | 47% task exposure |
| Avg. DegreeOutlook Score | 38/100 | 55/100 |
| Programs Nationwide | 822 | 205 |
Year 1 Earnings Distribution
How earnings vary across schools for each major. Wider spread = more variation by school choice.
Career Paths
Top careers for each major by median wage. These reflect BLS occupational data mapped to each degree's CIP code.
Biology
| Career | Wage | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161,180 | +3.7% | 50% |
| Medical scientists, except epidemiologists | $100,590 | +8.7% | 52% |
| Biological scientists, all other | $93,330 | +1.2% | 49% |
| Life scientists, all other | $87,800 | +3.7% | 0% |
| Biological science teachers, postsecondary | $83,460 | +7.3% | 47% |
| Forensic science technicians | $67,440 | +12.8% | 39% |
Chemistry
| Career | Wage | Growth | AI Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161,180 | +3.7% | 50% |
| Computer and information research scientists | $140,910 | +19.7% | 63% |
| Data scientists | $112,590 | +33.5% | 64% |
| Computer occupations, all other | $108,970 | +8.2% | 57% |
| Physics teachers, postsecondary | $97,360 | +2.5% | 42% |
| Environmental science teachers, postsecondary | $87,710 | +2.9% | 52% |
The Bottom Line
These are averages across all schools — your outcome depends heavily on which school you attend and what career path you pursue.