Biology, General at Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,226/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #317 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $635K $625K $566K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,776
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,168
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,796
67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Drake University's Biology, General program earn $41,226/yr in their first year — 28% above the $32,219 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$41,226 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #317 out of 822 programs, Drake University's Biology, General offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $41,226 to $68,796 over five years (67% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Drake University

With a 64% acceptance rate, Drake University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,669 students in Des Moines, IA. The average net cost of $120,168 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Drake 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, General at Other Schools

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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

How does Drake University's Biology, General program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Biology, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →