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Biology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,165/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #356 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

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	$514K	$513K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.8x	11.8x	11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.3x	8.3x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,428

Out-of-state: $62,044 (8.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,336

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,784

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,471

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,165 at North Dakota State University-Main Campus come in 6% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology programs.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,784 against $34,165/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #356 ranking among 822 Biology programs places North Dakota State University-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 45% earnings increase from $34,165 to $49,471 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University-Main Campus accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,567 students in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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

Other Majors at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

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 →