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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #741 of 822

Biologyat Colgate University

Graduates earn $34,796/yr in their first year — about 8.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $554K; scenarios range from $511K to $558K depending on AI disruption.

Hamilton, NY Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
26 AT RISK
27
Optimistic
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,796
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.1x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$554K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Colgate University

Your Colgate Biology degree provides a robust foundation, valuing critical thinking and broad scientific literacy over narrow vocational training. This liberal arts approach explains why graduates often find success across diverse sectors, from healthcare and biotech to finance or consulting, leveraging their analytical skills. The earnings reflect the caliber of students and the strong alumni network that opens doors, even if initial science roles might not be high-paying without further education.

The listed career paths like medical scientist often require advanced degrees, so your early years might involve research assistant roles or preparing for professional school. The AI risk primarily applies to more routine lab tasks or data entry; your Colgate education equips you to adapt by focusing on higher-level problem-solving and interdisciplinary connections. To maximize your return, actively explore internships early, network with alumni in your target fields, and consider how complementary skills like coding or business analytics can enhance your biological expertise.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$511K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$554K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score26/100
Earnings Multiple2.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$558K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score27/100
Earnings Multiple2.1x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Colgate University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biology

How Colgate University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Colgate University

Other top programs at Colgate University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Colgate 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at Colgate University

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Colgate University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Colgate 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.

What do students actually pay for Biology at Colgate University?

The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $268,096. At a net cost of $116,428, the earnings multiple improves substantially.