Physiology at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,707/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,300 openings/yr)
ROI 24.8x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 62 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your strong earnings potential from this program isn't accidental; it's deeply tied to the robust biotech and healthcare ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay Area. The region is a global leader in life sciences, home to major pharmaceutical companies, innovative biotech startups, and world-class research institutions like UCSF and Stanford. SF State graduates often find themselves in demand for roles in R&D support, clinical labs, and quality control, forming a critical part of these pipelines. This foundational science degree positions you well for a variety of paths, from hands-on lab work to eventually managing research teams or even transitioning into health education, especially with further graduate study. Given the high AI risk identified, actively pursuing internships and networking within this dynamic local industry is crucial to future-proof your career.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Physiology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $752K $738K $642K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.3x 24.8x 21.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.7x 9.6x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 50% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 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)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,726
112% growth from Year 1

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 20,033 in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Physiology at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Francisco State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physiology at San Francisco State University?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Physiology field.
Will AI replace Physiology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $641,942 in decade earnings vs $751,878 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes San Francisco State University's Physiology program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 62 programs nationally, San Francisco State University lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →