Home › Swarthmore College › Biology

Biology at Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,122/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #413 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 $640K $630K $571K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$249,648
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,744
70% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,485
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Swarthmore College's Biology program earn $41,122/yr in their first year — 28% above the $32,219 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #413 of 822 Biology programs, Swarthmore College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $69,485 show a 69% jump from the $41,122 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College admits 7% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a smaller institution with 1,627 students in Swarthmore, PA. The average net cost of $74,744 over four years represents a 70% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Swarthmore College →

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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Swarthmore College

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,686) Economics ($76,944) Mathematics ($72,656) Political Science and Government ($40,449)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Swarthmore College?
A score of 38/100 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 $570,582 in decade earnings vs $640,292 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Swarthmore College a hidden gem for Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $74,744 over four years — 70% below the $249,648 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →