Biology at University of South Carolina Aiken

Aiken, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,314/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #415 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

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 $522K $520K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.1x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.1x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,040
Out-of-state: $84,872 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,444
-8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,874
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,899
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,314/yr, Biology graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken land near the $32,219 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,874 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,314 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #415 of 822 Biology programs, University of South Carolina Aiken falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $49,899 show a 54% jump from the $32,314 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of South Carolina Aiken

With 80% of applicants admitted, University of South Carolina Aiken prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,805 students in Aiken, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina Aiken →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of South Carolina Aiken?
A score of 38/100 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 $484,849 in decade earnings vs $522,018 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →