Biologyat Colby College
Graduates earn $43,597/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $496K; scenarios range from $466K to $496K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Colby College
A Colby Biology degree from this elite liberal arts institution sets you on a path built on critical thinking and broad scientific understanding, not just vocational training. Your comprehensive scientific foundation, honed through rigorous coursework and often hands-on research opportunities, makes you highly competitive for top graduate programs, medical school, or entry into diverse scientific roles. While Waterville itself isn't a major biotech hub, Colby's national reputation means graduates are sought after in major research institutions and industries across the country. This strong academic background prepares you for leadership and management roles in scientific research or healthcare, where the ability to synthesize complex information and adapt to evolving fields, like those impacted by AI, is paramount. To maximize your trajectory, actively pursue research opportunities and consider combining your biology studies with another discipline to broaden your market appeal.
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 Colby College'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 Colby College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Colby College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colby College, 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 Colby College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Colby College?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $466,114 in decade earnings vs $496,171 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Colby College a hidden gem for Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $95,756 over four years — 64% below the $266,400 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.