Biologyat University of Michigan-Dearborn
Graduates earn $20,671/yr in their first year — about 36.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $749K; scenarios range from $663K to $767K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Your Biology degree from UM-Dearborn places you in a unique regional market. While the UMich name carries weight, the Dearborn campus often serves students aiming for careers in the Detroit metro area, where the biotech industry isn't as concentrated as other hubs. Many graduates pursue further education for medical or research roles, or enter entry-level lab technician, healthcare support, or even educational positions where initial salaries are typically modest. The "general" nature of the degree means you'll need to actively specialize through internships or advanced study to access the higher-paying scientific management or research scientist paths. Given the high AI risk for general biology, you should proactively seek out niche skills, certifications, or direct industry experience in areas like bioinformatics or clinical research to fortify your career prospects after graduation.
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-Dearborn'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-Dearborn stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan-Dearborn
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan-Dearborn, 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-Dearborn
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.