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Biology at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,940/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 11.0x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #242 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	$562K	$558K	$514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.1x	11.0x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.8x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,467

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,435

62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,940 per year, Biology graduates from Northern Arizona University earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 11.0x 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 $20,467 against $34,940/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #242 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Northern Arizona University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,940-to-$56,435 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, with 23,041 students enrolled in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Northern Arizona University?

At 43/100, 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 Northern Arizona University?

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 →