Biology, General at University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,055/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #603 of 822 Biology, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $781K $762K $673K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,916
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,245
152% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,055/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

With first-year pay of $31,055 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #603 out of 822 programs, University of Pennsylvania's financial outcomes for Biology, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,055 to $78,245 over five years (152% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania's 6% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 10,768 students in Philadelphia, PA. The average net cost of $124,916 over four years represents a 53% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pennsylvania →

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, General at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Pennsylvania's Biology, General program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Biology, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Biology, General at University of Pennsylvania after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,416, but the average net cost is $124,916 — a 53% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →