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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #363 of 822

Biologyat Marshall University

Graduates earn $19,955/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $697K; scenarios range from $622K to $712K depending on AI disruption.

Huntington, WV Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
40 AVERAGE
41
Optimistic
39
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,955
1-year post-graduation
ROI
16.0x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$697K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Marshall University

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.

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
$622K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score39/100
Earnings Multiple17.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$697K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score40/100
Earnings Multiple19.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$712K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score41/100
Earnings Multiple19.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Other top programs at Marshall University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Marshall University, 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 Marshall University

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.