Home › Buena Vista University › Biology

Biology at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,682/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #620 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $641K $631K $571K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$160,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,284
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,918
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,633
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,682 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 3.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,918 debt-to-$30,682 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #620 out of 822 programs, Buena Vista University's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $30,682 to $63,633 over five years (107% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,378 students in Storm Lake, IA. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $73,284 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University

Accounting and Related Services ($53,280) Finance and Financial Management Services ($52,226) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($49,099) Business/Commerce, General ($48,810) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,385) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,551) Marketing ($42,972) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,834)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Buena Vista University's Biology program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is Biology at Buena Vista University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $160,760, but the average net cost is $73,284 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →