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Biology at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,137/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #75 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 $608K $601K $548K
Earnings Multiple 12.0x 11.8x 10.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,636
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,964
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,137 at Northern Illinois University come in 18% 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 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 against $38,137/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #75 of 822 programs, this Biology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $38,137-to-$63,964 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Northern Illinois University

Computer Science ($77,257) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,557) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($74,442) Industrial Engineering ($72,112) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($70,654) Mechanical Engineering ($68,069) Accounting and Related Services ($63,743) Engineering Technology, General ($62,117)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Northern Illinois University?
At 50/100, Northern Illinois University'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 Northern Illinois 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 →