Biologyat University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Graduates earn $18,690/yr in their first year — about 42.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $682K; scenarios range from $611K to $696K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
A general Biology degree from UL Lafayette offers a broad scientific foundation, but your career trajectory often depends heavily on how you specialize beyond this initial degree. The regional economy around Lafayette, while strong in healthcare and energy, doesn't present a vast high-paying biotech or pharmaceutical research ecosystem for general biology graduates directly out of a bachelor's. Many graduates often find themselves in entry-level lab technician roles, healthcare support, or K-12 education, where initial salaries reflect the local cost of living and industry demand.
To achieve the higher earning potential seen in roles like medical scientists or managers, you’ll almost certainly need to pursue graduate studies, professional certifications, or medical school. Consider internships early in your program and explore specific concentrations like pre-med, environmental science, or bioinformatics within your degree to build a more direct path toward specialized, higher-paying opportunities, whether in Louisiana or beyond.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Louisiana at Lafayette's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How University of Louisiana at Lafayette stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at University of Louisiana at Lafayette
How does University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Biology program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Louisiana at Lafayette Biology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Biology earnings lower at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?
Lower starting pay at University of Louisiana at Lafayette may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.