Biologyat Drake University
Graduates earn $41,226/yr in their first year — about 28.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $625K; scenarios range from $566K to $635K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Drake University
Graduates of Drake University's Biology 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 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.
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 Drake University'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 Drake University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Drake University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Drake 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 →Frequently asked about Biology at Drake University
How does Drake University's Biology program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology 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.