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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #2 of 822

Biologyat Saint Cloud State University

Graduates earn $44,166/yr in their first year — about 37.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $675K; scenarios range from $605K to $688K depending on AI disruption.

Saint Cloud, MN Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
62 SOLID
62
Optimistic
58
Pessimistic
Earnings
$44,166
1-year post-graduation
ROI
18.0x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$675K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Saint Cloud State University

Your strong earnings potential from SCSU's Biology program reflects its practical foundation and connection to Minnesota's robust healthcare, biotech, and agricultural industries. This isn't just theoretical science; the curriculum likely emphasizes skills directly applicable to research labs, environmental consulting, and medical technology firms, many of which are within easy reach in the St. Cloud region or the nearby Twin Cities metro. The program's success often stems from students leveraging local internship opportunities and the university's regional employer network, leading to roles at places like CentraCare or state agencies. However, with "high" AI risk, many entry-level lab or data-heavy roles could be impacted. To thrive, prioritize hands-on research, develop strong analytical and communication skills, and explore interdisciplinary minors like data science or public health to future-proof your career path.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$605K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score58/100
Earnings Multiple15.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$675K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score62/100
Earnings Multiple16.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$688K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score62/100
Earnings Multiple17.0x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Saint Cloud State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biology

How Saint Cloud State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Saint Cloud State University

Other top programs at Saint Cloud State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Saint Cloud State 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at Saint Cloud State University

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Saint Cloud State University?

At 62/100, Saint Cloud State University's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology 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?

Among 822 Biology programs, Saint Cloud State University's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.