Biology, General at Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,278/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (9.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #344 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 $592K $585K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 10.9x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.3x 9.2x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,612
Out-of-state: $63,516 (9.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,372
-5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,333
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Eastern Illinois University's Biology, General program produces graduates earning $31,278/yr — within striking distance of the $32,219 national average for this field.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 against $31,278/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #344 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Eastern Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,278-to-$58,333 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,398 students in Charleston, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Illinois 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Eastern Illinois University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Eastern Illinois University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →