Program Analysis
Illinois College's Biology program produces graduates earning $31,438/yr — within striking distance of the $32,219 national average for this field.
An earnings multiple of 3.9x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,533 represents roughly 10 months of the $31,438 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #651 of 822 Biology programs, Illinois College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $57,530 show a 83% jump from the $31,438 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.