Biology at Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
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%

Program Analysis

Your Marshall General Biology degree provides a broad scientific foundation, but its value in the job market is heavily shaped by regional opportunities. In the Huntington area, many graduates find roles within local healthcare systems like Cabell Huntington Hospital, in public health initiatives, or as educators. These are vital community contributions, though they typically don't match the salaries found in major biotech hubs or pharmaceutical research centers that often drive national biology averages. The program effectively prepares you for further education, which is crucial here; many higher-paying biology careers, like those in medical research or management, strongly prefer or require advanced degrees. If you’re considering this path, actively seek out internships that align with specific career goals, and plan from day one how you'll specialize or pursue post-baccalaureate education to unlock higher earning potential.

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 $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

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

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Marshall University

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Marshall University?
At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology 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 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 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 →