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Biology, General at Rust College

Holly Springs, MS · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,947/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 7.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #771 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	$419K	$424K	$410K
Earnings Multiple	7.6x	7.7x	7.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	24	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$55,360

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,004

37% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,696

11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$32,893

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,947/yr fall 16% below the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 7.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,696 debt-to-$26,947 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #771 out of 822 programs, Rust College's financial outcomes for Biology, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,947 to $32,893 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Rust College

Rust College admits 35% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 428 in Holly Springs, MS. With 69% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,004 — 37% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Rust College →

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 Rust College

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

How does Rust College's Biology, General program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Biology, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Biology, General to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Biology, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Biology, General earnings lower at Rust College?

Lower starting pay at Rust College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →