Biology at Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,420/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #260 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $565K $560K $516K
Earnings Multiple 14.9x 14.8x 13.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$37,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,128
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,407
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,185
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southeast Missouri State University's Biology program produces graduates earning $31,420/yr — within striking distance of the $32,219 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,407 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,420 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #260 of 822 Biology programs, Southeast Missouri State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $55,185 show a 76% jump from the $31,420 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Southeast Missouri State University

A 78% acceptance rate means Southeast Missouri State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 6,588 students in Cape Girardeau, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Southeast Missouri 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 at Other Schools

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Southeast Missouri State University?
A score of 43/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $516,223 in decade earnings vs $565,299 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →