Biologyat Pepperdine University
Graduates earn $20,031/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $373K; scenarios range from $371K to $365K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Pepperdine University
Pepperdine's General Biology program, situated in a high-cost region like Malibu, often attracts students with diverse aspirations, from pre-med to environmental science. The broader, less specialized nature of a "General Biology" degree, combined with the university's liberal arts emphasis, means graduates frequently pursue varied paths. You'll find many entering roles like lab technicians, research assistants in non-profit settings, or healthcare support positions prevalent in the competitive LA market. These roles, while valuable, often require further specialization or advanced degrees to reach the higher salary bands you see for medical or biological scientists. Consider how you'll leverage internships and research opportunities to gain specific, in-demand skills and clarify your post-graduation trajectory.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Pepperdine University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How Pepperdine University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Pepperdine University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Pepperdine University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at Pepperdine University
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Pepperdine University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Pepperdine University?
At $25,379 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Pepperdine 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.
Is Pepperdine University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Pepperdine University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.