Biology, General at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,982/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #441 of 822 Biology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $558K $553K $511K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.3x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,017
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,982/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $30,982/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #441 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Oregon State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,982-to-$54,017 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 29,557 students enrolled in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State 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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Oregon State 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

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Oregon State University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Oregon State 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 →