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Biology, General at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,210/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #755 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 $934K $905K $784K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,618
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,275
282% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,210 place University of Southern California below the $32,219 national median for Biology, General — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $20,210 far exceeding the $4,618 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #755 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places University of Southern California in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,210-to-$77,275 earnings arc over five years reflects a 282% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California's 10% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, with 20,817 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology, General →

Biology, General at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biology, General trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at University of Southern California?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at University of Southern California?
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 Southern California a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Southern California's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Biology, General at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →