Biology at Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,873/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #777 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 $478K $479K $453K
Earnings Multiple 7.0x 7.0x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$68,184
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,928
-25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,912
13.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,239
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,873 place Claflin University below the $32,219 national median for Biology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 7.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 #777 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Claflin University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,873-to-$41,239 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Claflin University

Claflin University accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,727 students in Orangeburg, SC. 73% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Claflin 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

Biology at Other Schools

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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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Claflin University?
At 24/100, 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 Claflin University?
At $28,912 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 Claflin 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 Claflin University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Claflin 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 →