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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #3 of 822

Biologyat Salem State University

Graduates earn $45,670/yr in their first year — about 42.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $646K; scenarios range from $583K to $658K depending on AI disruption.

Salem, MA Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
60 SOLID
61
Optimistic
56
Pessimistic
Earnings
$45,670
1-year post-graduation
ROI
14.4x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$646K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Salem State University

Salem State's Biology program distinguishes itself through its strategic location, positioning you directly within one of the nation's most vibrant biotech ecosystems. The Boston-Cambridge corridor, just a short commute away, is teeming with pharmaceutical giants, innovative startups, and world-class research institutions. This proximity directly contributes to strong post-graduation outcomes, as employers actively recruit from regional talent pools, valuing the practical skills and foundational knowledge gained from a comprehensive public university program.

While the field faces evolving AI risks, your general biology foundation provides versatility. To thrive, deeply engage with hands-on lab work and consider specializing through electives or research projects that focus on complex problem-solving, data interpretation, or advanced experimental design. Proactively pursuing internships and networking within the robust local life sciences industry will be your most critical step in securing a compelling career trajectory.

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
$583K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score56/100
Earnings Multiple12.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$646K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score60/100
Earnings Multiple13.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$658K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score61/100
Earnings Multiple13.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Salem 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 Salem 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
Same state (MA)
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 Salem State University

Other top programs at Salem State University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Salem 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 Salem State University

How does Salem State University's Biology program score?

This program scores 60/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biology graduates.

How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Biology 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 does Salem State University rank so high for Biology?

The #3 ranking out of 822 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.