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Biology at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,671/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #466 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $767K $749K $663K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.5x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.0x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,776
Out-of-state: $125,440 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,616
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,980
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,990
219% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,671 place University of Michigan-Dearborn below the $32,219 national median for Biology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 12.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #466 ranking among 822 Biology programs places University of Michigan-Dearborn in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,671-to-$65,990 earnings arc over five years reflects a 219% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Michigan-Dearborn

A 59% admission rate makes University of Michigan-Dearborn accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 5,882 in Dearborn, MI. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Dearborn →

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 Michigan-Dearborn

Computer Programming ($80,830) Computer Engineering ($79,022) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,942) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($77,273) Mechanical Engineering ($70,688) Management Information Systems and Services ($65,211) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($61,297) Finance and Financial Management Services ($58,438)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Michigan-Dearborn?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn?
At $21,980 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at University of Michigan-Dearborn?
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 Michigan-Dearborn a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Michigan-Dearborn's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →