Biological & Physical Sciences at University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
55
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%

Program Analysis

The University of Houston-Downtown's location in a major economic hub like Houston positions you uniquely. You'll find a robust demand for science graduates across the Texas Medical Center, the energy sector, and the vast petrochemical industry along the Ship Channel. This broad Biological and Physical Sciences degree often serves as an excellent foundation, preparing you for diverse entry-level roles as a lab technician, quality control specialist, or even a science educator in local school districts. The career paths you see reflect this versatility, pointing towards roles that often require significant experience or further specialization. To maximize your opportunities in this competitive market, actively seek out internships or research assistant positions with local companies or institutions. Gaining practical experience during your studies can significantly sharpen your professional edge.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological & 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

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 & 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 & Physical Sciences at University of Houston-Downtown?
At 51/100, University of Houston-Downtown's Biological & 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 & Physical Sciences?
Among 26 Biological & 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 →