Biologyat Albion College
Graduates earn $20,713/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $603K; scenarios range from $550K to $611K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Albion College
A general biology degree from a liberal arts college like Albion often provides a broad scientific foundation, but it's crucial to understand its practical application in the job market. The outcomes suggest that without significant further education – think medical school, a PhD, or specialized master's programs – graduates may struggle to access the higher-paying scientific roles you see listed.
The program's location in rural Michigan means you're not graduating into a major biotech or pharmaceutical hub, limiting immediate local opportunities for B.S.-level biology jobs. Many graduates likely pursue technician roles, or pivot into unrelated fields, explaining the earnings trends. To truly thrive, you'll need to strategically pursue internships, gain highly specific lab skills, or plan for advanced degrees to unlock those specialized careers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Albion College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How Albion College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Albion College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Albion College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at Albion College
How does Albion College's Biology program score?
This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Albion College Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Biology earnings lower at Albion College?
Lower starting pay at Albion College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Biology at Albion College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $222,984, but the average net cost is $67,528 — a 70% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.