Biologyat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $26,888/yr in their first year — about 17.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $639K; scenarios range from $577K to $649K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
Your UMich biology degree provides a robust scientific foundation, but it's crucial to understand its typical trajectory. Many graduates leverage this strong academic background for further education, especially in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or advanced research degrees. This pathway naturally defers immediate high earnings, as you'll be investing more years in schooling before entering higher-paying professional roles.
For those entering the workforce directly, initial roles often involve laboratory technician positions, research assistantships within academia or biotech firms, or quality control in pharmaceuticals. While UMich has strong connections, particularly with local healthcare systems and pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer (nearby), these entry-level positions require gaining experience before significant salary growth. You're building a valuable skillset for future specialization. To maximize your return, actively seek out research opportunities, internships, and networking events early on to clarify your post-graduation path and build practical experience alongside your rigorous coursework.
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 Michigan'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 Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, 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 Michigan
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $576,892 in decade earnings vs $649,000 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.