Biologyat Michigan Technological University
Graduates earn $17,541/yr in their first year — about 46.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $561K; scenarios range from $517K to $566K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Michigan Technological University
The earnings data for this program reflects a common challenge for general biology degrees, especially when considering the regional job market. Houghton's economy, while vibrant in natural resources and outdoor recreation, doesn't offer the robust biomedical or pharmaceutical industry pipelines you'd find in major metropolitan hubs. Many graduates might initially find roles in local environmental agencies, field research, or lab support, which often have more modest starting salaries, or they might enter non-science fields.
This program at Michigan Tech, a university strong in engineering and applied sciences, likely prepares students with excellent foundational knowledge, but the "general" nature means you'll need to proactively build a specialization. To achieve the higher-earning careers listed, you'll almost certainly need to pursue advanced degrees (like medical school or a Ph.D.), specific certifications, or strategically seek internships and entry-level positions outside the immediate Upper Peninsula region that align with your long-term ambitions.
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 Michigan Technological 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 Michigan Technological University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Michigan Technological University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Michigan Technological 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 Michigan Technological University
How does Michigan Technological University's Biology program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Michigan Technological University Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Michigan Technological University?
Lower starting pay at Michigan Technological University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.