Home Schools Governors State University Biology
Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #22 of 822

Biologyat Governors State University

Graduates earn $43,641/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $573K; scenarios range from $526K to $579K depending on AI disruption.

University Park, IL Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
55 SOLID
55
Optimistic
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$43,641
1-year post-graduation
ROI
12.7x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$573K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Governors State University

You've likely noticed the strong career outcomes for Governors State Biology graduates. This success isn't by chance; GSU's location in the sprawling Chicago metropolitan area positions you squarely within a robust ecosystem of pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and leading research hospitals. Graduates frequently leverage this proximity, securing roles as lab scientists, research associates, or clinical trial coordinators at institutions like AbbVie, Abbott, or various university medical centers. The program likely emphasizes practical lab skills and scientific methodology, equipping you well for these demanding, higher-paying industry positions or for advanced professional degrees in healthcare. These pathways directly feed into the managerial and specialist roles you see listed. To truly capitalize on this advantage, actively seek out internships or research opportunities with local companies and university labs throughout your degree; this hands-on experience is critical for securing those competitive entry-level positions.

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
$526K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score52/100
Earnings Multiple11.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$573K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score55/100
Earnings Multiple12.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$579K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score55/100
Earnings Multiple12.8x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Governors State 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 Governors State 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 Governors State University

Other top programs at Governors State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Governors State 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 Governors State University

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Governors State University?

At 55/100, Governors State University's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Governors 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 Governors State University one of the best schools for Biology?

Among 822 Biology programs, Governors State University's #22 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.