Biological & Physical Sciences at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,419/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Portland State's program stands out nationally, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing graduates for diverse scientific roles. Your early career earnings reflect the broad nature of a biological and physical sciences degree, often serving as a foundation for advanced study in medicine or specialized fields, or leading to entry-level positions in research and development. The urban setting of Portland provides unique opportunities, with connections to local government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and emerging biotech companies that value foundational scientific literacy. Many graduates leverage this degree into management roles in natural sciences, where leadership and interdisciplinary understanding drive significant earning growth. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships and research opportunities throughout your studies, tailoring your experiences to specific industry sectors that align with your long-term career aspirations.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $637K $627K $583K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 14.0x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 51 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,720
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,769
76% growth from Year 1

About Portland State University

A 91% acceptance rate means Portland State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Portland State 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

How does Portland State University's Biological & Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 51/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.
Why does Portland State University rank so high for Biological & Physical Sciences?
The #5 ranking out of 26 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →