Biologyat Mercer University
Graduates earn $22,100/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $742K; scenarios range from $657K to $760K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Mercer University
The initial earnings figures for Mercer's General Biology program highlight a common trend for broad science degrees, especially when considering the typical trajectory for graduates from schools with strong pre-professional programs. Many students pursuing General Biology here are on a path towards further education—medical school, dental school, pharmacy, or graduate research programs. These advanced degrees significantly delay entry into high-earning careers, as early post-undergrad years might involve stipends, internships, or lower-paying research assistant roles before specialized professional salaries kick in.
Macon's regional job market, while having a robust healthcare sector with employers like Atrium Health Navicent, may not offer the same density of high-paying biotech or pharmaceutical research positions found in larger metropolitan hubs. This means that direct-entry biology roles post-graduation might be more concentrated in laboratory support or academic research, which typically have lower starting salaries. To maximize your earning potential from this degree, proactively seek internships that align with specific career goals and plan for the advanced education often required for the higher-paying scientific and medical professions.
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 Mercer University'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 Mercer University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Mercer University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Mercer 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 →Frequently asked about Biology at Mercer University
How does Mercer University's Biology program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Mercer University Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x 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 Mercer University?
Lower starting pay at Mercer University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.