Biology at St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,104/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 4.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #791 of 822 Biology, General programs

Program Analysis

Your St. Mary's General Biology degree outcomes stand out, with graduates earning significantly below the national average for this major. This often suggests that many students use this broad degree as a strong pre-medical or pre-graduate school foundation, rather than entering the workforce directly after graduation. Initial salaries can be low for those pursuing further education, or for entry-level lab technician roles within San Antonio's healthcare and research institutions. While the city has a growing biomedical sector, the general nature of the degree means you'll need to actively seek specialized experiences. The high AI risk further emphasizes the importance of developing advanced analytical and practical lab skills that complement a core biology education. To maximize your earning potential, consider internships or research opportunities early to build a strong resume, and explore combining your biology major with a minor in a more applied field like data science or business, particularly if you plan to enter the workforce directly.

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 $663K $652K $587K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.5x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$144,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,408
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
16.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,849
183% growth from Year 1

About St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,911 students in San Antonio, TX. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $85,408 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at St. Mary's 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

Other Majors at St. Mary's University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at St. Mary's University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from St. Mary's University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If St. Mary's University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →