Biologyat Columbia University in the City of New York
Graduates earn $40,935/yr in their first year — about 27.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $630K; scenarios range from $570K to $640K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Columbia University in the City of New York
Your Columbia Biology degree provides an exceptional foundation, particularly for those eyeing advanced degrees or research-intensive careers. The program's strength lies in its rigorous curriculum, unparalleled access to cutting-edge research opportunities within the university and surrounding NYC institutions, and a powerful alumni network. Many graduates leverage this initial degree as a springboard into medical school, PhD programs in biological sciences, or direct entry into the city's robust biotech, pharmaceutical, or healthcare sectors, often in lab management or clinical research support roles.
The earnings trajectory reflects this path; while solid initially, the significant salary growth often materializes after further specialization or advanced study. Given the evolving landscape and the high AI risk identified, actively pursuing internships and research projects that integrate data science or bioinformatics will be crucial. This will future-proof your skills and position you for the most impactful and resilient careers within the life sciences.
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 Columbia University in the City of New York'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 Columbia University in the City of New York stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Columbia University in the City of New York
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Columbia University in the City of New York, 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 Columbia University in the City of New York
What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Columbia University in the City of New York?
At 36/100, 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 Columbia University in the City of New York?
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 Columbia University in the City of New York?
The 71% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $276,180. At a net cost of $80,592, the earnings multiple improves substantially.