Biology at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,035/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
12.3x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
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 | $632K | $623K | $565K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.5x | 12.3x | 11.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 40 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,846
117% growth from Year 1
About University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 28,113 students enrolled in Columbia, SC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330/yr
Compare & Explore
Biology at Other Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
A score of 39/100 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 $564,681 in decade earnings vs $632,153 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →