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Biology at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,275/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #618 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $659K $648K $584K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$267,756
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,868
72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,610
95% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,275 per year, Biology graduates from University of Chicago earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $13,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #618 ranking among 822 Biology programs places University of Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,275-to-$68,610 earnings arc over five years reflects a 95% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Chicago

With just 5% of applicants admitted, University of Chicago ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 7,540 in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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 University of Chicago

Computer Science ($117,578) Mathematics ($100,421) Economics ($92,075) Statistics ($82,681) Public Policy Analysis ($60,057) Political Science and Government ($56,022) History ($46,616) English Language and Literature, General ($44,397)

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 does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Chicago?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at University of Chicago?
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.
What do students actually pay for Biology at University of Chicago?
The 72% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $267,756. At a net cost of $75,868, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →