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Biology at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,813/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #135 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 25%

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 $595K $588K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.4x 12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,875
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,631
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,813/yr, edging above the $32,219 national average for Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,875 against $34,813/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #135 among 822 Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $34,813-to-$60,631 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

Computer Engineering ($79,228) Industrial Engineering ($75,699) Chemical Engineering ($75,340) Statistics ($75,095) Mechanical Engineering ($71,732) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($70,686) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($70,324) Civil Engineering ($70,313)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Iowa?
At 47/100, 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 Iowa?
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 University of Iowa one of the best schools for Biology?
Among 822 Biology programs, University of Iowa's #135 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 →