Biology at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
50
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,216/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #83 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 10%

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 $564K $559K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.7x 13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.5x 7.4x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 50 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,960
Out-of-state: $75,440 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,436
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,625
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,216 per year, Biology graduates from Minnesota State University-Mankato earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $37,216/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #83 of 822 programs, this Biology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $37,216-to-$57,625 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Minnesota State University-Mankato

With 91% of applicants admitted, Minnesota State University-Mankato prioritizes broad access, enrolling 11,325 students in Mankato, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Minnesota State University-Mankato →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Minnesota State University-Mankato?
At 50/100, Minnesota State University-Mankato's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Minnesota State University-Mankato?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →