Biology, General at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
62
Optimistic
62
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,166/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #2 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 1%

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 $688K $675K $605K
Earnings Multiple 17.0x 16.7x 15.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 62 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,940
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,546
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,085
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,166 per year, Biology, General graduates from Saint Cloud State University significantly outpace the $32,219 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 16.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $21,546 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Among 822 Biology, General programs nationally, Saint Cloud State University ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $44,166-to-$77,085 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Saint Cloud State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Saint Cloud State University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud 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

Compare Biology, General

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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 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Saint Cloud State University?
At 62/100, Saint Cloud State University's Biology, General program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Saint Cloud 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.
Is Saint Cloud State University one of the best schools for Biology, General?
Among 822 Biology, General programs, Saint Cloud State University's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →