Biology at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,435/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
10.7x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
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 | $698K | $684K | $613K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.9x | 10.7x | 9.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.0x | 3.9x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 38 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,175
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,211
150% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
A 84% acceptance rate means Michigan State University is accessible to most applicants, with 40,243 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330/yr
Compare & Explore
Biology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State 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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Michigan State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $612,612 in decade earnings vs $698,278 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from Michigan State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →