Biology at Delta State University

Cleveland, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,823/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #738 of 822 Biology, General programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Delta State's General Biology program reflects the realities of pursuing a broad science degree in a regional market. Cleveland, MS, and the surrounding Mississippi Delta, offers a more localized job landscape, primarily in healthcare support roles, agricultural services, or K-12 education, rather than large-scale biotech or pharmaceutical research hubs that drive higher salaries in other regions. Your foundational biology knowledge is valuable, but graduates often find entry-level positions that don't require advanced specialization, or they pursue further education. For careers like medical scientist or natural sciences manager, a bachelor's degree typically serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or professional programs. If your goal is to access those higher-paying career paths, you must strategically plan for advanced degrees or seek internships outside the immediate region to gain specialized experience.

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 $369K $377K $374K
Earnings Multiple 10.7x 11.0x 10.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$34,420
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,112
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About Delta State University

With 100% of applicants admitted, Delta State University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,613 in Cleveland, MS. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Delta State 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

Other Majors at Delta State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Delta State University?
A score of 26/100 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 $373,942 in decade earnings vs $369,013 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from Delta State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →