Biology, General at Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,930/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #510 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $442K $446K $427K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.2x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,372
Out-of-state: $122,892 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,880
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,940
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$37,055
9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,930 per year, Biology, General graduates from Southern Oregon University earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,940 against $33,930/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #510 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Southern Oregon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Southern Oregon University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Southern Oregon University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,911 students in Ashland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Oregon 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

Other Majors at Southern Oregon 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 does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Southern Oregon University?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Southern Oregon 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →