Biotechnology at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,141/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 18 Biotechnology programs

Program Analysis

Studying biotechnology at CSU Fort Collins requires a clear understanding of the local and national job market. While Colorado boasts a growing biotech sector, many entry-level roles for a bachelor's degree holder, especially outside of major hubs like Boulder or Denver, can be research assistant or lab tech positions that don't command high salaries. The program, situated within a large public university, might also lean more academic or research-oriented, potentially delaying direct industry entry or requiring further education for upward mobility. Your initial career path might involve foundational lab work, often within university research settings or smaller local companies. To counteract this, aggressively pursue internships with companies like Agilent, Tolmar, or larger pharma/biotech firms in the region. These experiences are critical for building a competitive resume and establishing a professional network that can lead to more lucrative opportunities post-graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biotechnology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $476K $477K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.3x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,386
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Colorado State University-Fort Collins has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 25,148 students in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
Biological science teachers, postsecondary $83,460/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biotechnology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Biotechnology program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Biotechnology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biotechnology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biotechnology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Biotechnology earnings lower at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
Lower starting pay at Colorado State University-Fort Collins may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →