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Biology at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,132/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #241 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $914K $886K $769K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 17.7x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.5x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
12.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,788
256% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,132 per year, Biology graduates from Auburn University earn below the $32,219 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #241 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Auburn University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $22,132-to-$78,788 earnings arc over five years reflects a 256% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Auburn University

Auburn University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 25,732 in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Auburn University

Chemical Engineering ($82,217) Computer Engineering ($80,067) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,680) Architectural Engineering ($77,115) Mechanical Engineering ($74,005) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,440) Industrial Engineering ($71,063) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($68,607)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Auburn University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Auburn University?
At $23,250 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Auburn University?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Auburn University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Auburn University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →