Biology at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,964
68% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Biology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →