Biologyat University of Massachusetts-Boston
Graduates earn $42,721/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $615K; scenarios range from $558K to $624K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Massachusetts-Boston
The standout earnings for UMass Boston's General Biology program reflect its unique positioning within one of the world's leading biotech and pharmaceutical hubs. Boston’s unparalleled concentration of research institutions, innovative startups, and established pharmaceutical giants, particularly around Kendall Square and the Longwood Medical Area, creates a constant, robust demand for skilled biology graduates. Your degree here isn't just theoretical; it often serves as a direct pipeline into entry-level lab technician, research assistant, clinical trial support, or quality control roles across this thriving ecosystem.
UMass Boston's strong local ties mean you'll find numerous opportunities for internships and networking within these companies and academic labs. To truly leverage this advantage, actively pursue hands-on experience through co-ops or research assistantships. Gaining practical skills in areas like molecular biology, bioinformatics, or lab automation will make you incredibly competitive for the most in-demand roles, positioning you well within the dynamic Boston life sciences sector.
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 Massachusetts-Boston'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 Massachusetts-Boston stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Massachusetts-Boston
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Massachusetts-Boston, 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 Massachusetts-Boston
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of Massachusetts-Boston?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biology field.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $558,459 in decade earnings vs $623,571 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Massachusetts-Boston's Biology program stand out?
Ranked #42 of 822 programs nationally, University of Massachusetts-Boston lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.