Biology at Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,635/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 21.9x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #281 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $538K $535K $497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.0x 21.9x 20.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$24,472
Out-of-state: $100,648 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$41,276
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,814
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,861
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,635/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 21.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,814 against $29,635/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #281 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Florida Gulf Coast University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,635-to-$50,861 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,809 students in Fort Myers, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at Florida Gulf Coast 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 at Other Schools

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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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Florida Gulf Coast University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Florida Gulf Coast 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 →