Biology at Hope College

Holland, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,430/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #657 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $532K $529K $492K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,996
36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,442
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,430 per year, Biology graduates from Hope College earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$35,430 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #657 out of 822 programs, Hope College's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,430 to $52,442 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Hope College

With 76% of applicants admitted, Hope College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,274 students in Holland, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $102,996 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hope College →

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

Other Majors at Hope College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Hope College's Biology program score?
This program scores 30/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →