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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #794 of 822

Biologyat Emory University

Graduates earn $23,492/yr in their first year — about 27.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $724K; scenarios range from $643K to $740K depending on AI disruption.

Atlanta, GA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
22 AT RISK
23
Optimistic
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,492
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.8x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$724K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Emory University

Emory’s esteemed biology program, deeply integrated into the vibrant Atlanta medical and research ecosystem with institutions like the CDC and Emory Healthcare, prepares many graduates for advanced study. Your initial post-baccalaureate earnings will likely reflect roles as research assistants or lab technicians, which are often stepping stones to medical school, PhD programs, or other specialized graduate degrees. These foundational positions, while invaluable for building experience and securing future admissions, typically offer lower starting salaries compared to fields where a bachelor's is a terminal degree.

Given the high AI risk in certain biological roles, strategically planning your coursework and experiences is crucial. Focus on developing strong computational biology, bioinformatics, or data analysis skills. By combining core biological knowledge with the ability to leverage emerging technologies, you'll position yourself to design innovative experiments, interpret complex data, and lead research initiatives rather than performing tasks susceptible to automation.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$643K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple2.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$724K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple3.0x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$740K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple3.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Emory University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biology

How Emory University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Emory University

Other top programs at Emory University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Emory 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at Emory University

How does Emory University's Biology program score?

This program scores 22/100 — 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.

Why are Biology earnings lower at Emory University?

Lower starting pay at Emory University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

How affordable is Biology at Emory University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $243,096, but the average net cost is $95,644 — a 61% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.