Biology at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,494/yr (41% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #69 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 $857K $833K $728K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 51 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,802
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,536
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Northeastern University's Biology program earn $45,494/yr in their first year — 41% above the $32,219 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,802 debt-to-$45,494 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #69 ranking out of 822 Biology programs nationally puts Northeastern University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $45,494 to $97,536 over five years (114% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University admits 6% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 15,719 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University →

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 Northeastern University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeastern University's Biology program score?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biology graduates.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →