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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #821 of 822

Biologyat Kalamazoo College

Graduates earn $24,211/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $545K; scenarios range from $504K to $549K depending on AI disruption.

Kalamazoo, MI Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
17 AT RISK
18
Optimistic
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,211
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.1x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$545K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Kalamazoo College

A general biology degree from a liberal arts institution like Kalamazoo College typically provides a broad scientific foundation rather than direct vocational training. This often means graduates pursue further education—like medical school, a Physician Assistant program, or a PhD—where initial earnings reflect continued schooling or entry into lower-paying research support roles before specialization.

Without an advanced degree, entry into competitive fields, even with local pharmaceutical or medical device companies like Pfizer or Stryker, can be challenging, often leading to roles as lab technicians or research assistants. These positions, while valuable, generally offer more modest compensation initially. To succeed, you must actively seek out internships, research opportunities, or pair your studies with practical skills (like data science or bioinformatics) to carve a more defined path and enhance your marketability post-graduation.

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
$504K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score17/100
Earnings Multiple2.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$545K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score17/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$549K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Kalamazoo College'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 Kalamazoo College 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 Kalamazoo College

Other top programs at Kalamazoo College

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kalamazoo College, 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 Kalamazoo College

How does Kalamazoo College's Biology program score?

This program scores 17/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Kalamazoo College Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

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.

Why are Biology earnings lower at Kalamazoo College?

Lower starting pay at Kalamazoo College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

How affordable is Biology at Kalamazoo College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $235,056, but the average net cost is $75,492 — a 68% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.