Biologyat Lewis & Clark College
Graduates earn $24,050/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $547K; scenarios range from $506K to $551K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Lewis & Clark College
A General Biology degree from a liberal arts institution like Lewis & Clark offers a broad scientific foundation, but the local Portland job market for *entry-level* roles in this field can be competitive and less specialized compared to major biotech hubs. You'll likely find initial roles as a lab technician, research assistant, or in related support functions, which often command more modest starting salaries than highly specialized positions. The advanced career paths listed typically require significant further education—a master's, Ph.D., or medical degree—and substantial experience to reach those higher earning potentials. Without that additional specialization, a general biology background can leave you competing for roles where automation is increasingly prevalent. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships early, seek out specific technical skills like bioinformatics or lab certifications, and have a clear plan for advanced study or a niche specialization before graduation.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Lewis & Clark College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Biology
How Lewis & Clark College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Lewis & Clark College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Lewis & Clark 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 →Frequently asked about Biology at Lewis & Clark College
How does Lewis & Clark 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.
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 Lewis & Clark College?
Lower starting pay at Lewis & Clark College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.