Biologyat Auburn University
Graduates earn $22,132/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $886K; scenarios range from $769K to $914K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Auburn University
Auburn's General Biology program, while providing a solid scientific foundation, often serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree for high-earning careers. Many graduates pursue further education, like medical school, veterinary school, or graduate programs, where initial earnings might be low or deferred. The regional job market in Alabama isn't a major hub for high-paying biotech or pharmaceutical research directly out of a bachelor's degree. Instead, you might find roles as lab technicians, research assistants in academic settings, or enter healthcare support fields. To stand out and access more lucrative opportunities, especially if you're not planning an advanced degree, actively seek internships and specialized research experience during your undergraduate years, focusing on areas with strong industry demand.
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 Auburn University'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 Auburn University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Auburn University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Auburn University, 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 Auburn University
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.