Biology at Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,387/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #608 of 822 Biology, General programs

Program Analysis

Your Lipscomb General Biology degree offers a foundational science education, often serving as a strong springboard for health professions or graduate studies. The relatively lower early career earnings you see often reflect this path: many graduates initially take roles as research assistants, lab technicians, or entry-level positions in allied health or education, rather than immediately entering high-paying specialized scientific roles. Nashville's robust healthcare and academic sectors offer opportunities, but a broad biology degree typically requires further specialization or advanced degrees to unlock top-tier salaries. You'll likely see higher earnings later as you gain experience or pursue professional school. To maximize your earning potential from day one, actively seek out internships in biotech or pharmaceutical companies, and consider a post-baccalaureate program or graduate degree to specialize your skills early.

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 $918K $890K $772K
Earnings Multiple 5.9x 5.7x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$155,296
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,440
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,375
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,487
275% growth from Year 1

About Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University's 67% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,021 students in Nashville, TN. The average net cost of $102,440 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lipscomb University →

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 Lipscomb University

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 Lipscomb University's Biology program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Lipscomb University Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Lipscomb University?
Lower starting pay at Lipscomb University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →