Biology, General at Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,955/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.5x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #363 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $712K $697K $622K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.9x 19.5x 17.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,768
Out-of-state: $81,176 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$33,308
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,901
12.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,725
204% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $19,955 per year, Biology, General graduates from Marshall University earn below the $32,219 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 19.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #363 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Marshall University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $19,955-to-$60,725 earnings arc over five years reflects a 204% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Marshall University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Marshall University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,149 in Huntington, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Marshall 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Marshall University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology, General degree from Marshall University?
At $20,901 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Marshall University?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Marshall University a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Marshall University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →