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Biology at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,286/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #78 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 10%

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	$583K	$577K	$529K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.0x	14.8x	13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.8x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	50	48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,720

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,773

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,286 per year, Biology graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 14.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,720 against $36,286/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #78 of 822 programs, this Biology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $36,286-to-$59,773 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Northern Iowa

With 94% of applicants admitted, University of Northern Iowa prioritizes broad access, serving 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Northern Iowa

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Northern Iowa?

At 50/100, University of Northern Iowa's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at University of Northern Iowa?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →