Home › Ferris State University › Biology, General

Biology, General at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,334/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #294 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	$739K	$722K	$642K
Earnings Multiple	13.6x	13.2x	11.8x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$54,520

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,808

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,852

159% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ferris State University's Biology, General graduates start at $27,334/yr, trailing the $32,219 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $27,334/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #294 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Ferris State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $27,334-to-$70,852 earnings arc over five years reflects a 159% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ferris State University

A 81% acceptance rate means Ferris State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

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

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Ferris State University?

At 42/100, 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 Ferris State 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.

Is Ferris State University a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Ferris State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →