Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,334/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 20.0x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 10%

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 $602K $594K $542K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.2x 20.0x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,756
Out-of-state: $77,276 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,490
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,718
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,334/yr, edging above the $32,219 national average for Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 20.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,490 in median debt against $35,334 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #49 of 822 programs, this Biology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $35,334-to-$61,718 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 24,271 in Pomona, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona →

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

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
At 52/100, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →