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Biological and Physical Sciences at University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,952/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)

Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

ROI 19.3x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #6 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$601K	$594K	$554K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	19.5x	19.3x	18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.4x	8.3x	7.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	43%
DegreeOutlook Score	51	51	55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,832

Out-of-state: $71,152 (8.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,492

-90% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,765

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,836

69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,952/yr, roughly in line with the $36,628 national median for Biological and Physical Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 19.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological and Physical Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,765 against $35,952/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Houston-Downtown ranks #6 among 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,952-to-$60,836 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 12,812 in Houston, TX. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston-Downtown →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Houston-Downtown

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 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biological and Physical Sciences at University of Houston-Downtown?

At 51/100, University of Houston-Downtown's Biological and Physical Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is University of Houston-Downtown one of the best schools for Biological and Physical Sciences?

Among 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, University of Houston-Downtown's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →