Biologyat University of Southern California
Graduates earn $20,210/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $905K; scenarios range from $784K to $934K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern California
Studying General Biology at a selective institution like USC positions you with a robust scientific foundation, but it's crucial to understand the typical career trajectories. This generalist degree often serves as an excellent springboard for advanced studies – think medical school, dentistry, or graduate research programs. Consequently, many graduates initially pursue roles like research assistants or lab technicians, gaining invaluable experience before higher-paying, specialized positions. The strong USC network, particularly within Southern California's burgeoning biotech sector and numerous medical centers, can be a powerful asset for internships and early-career opportunities at places like Amgen or Cedars-Sinai. However, the reported AI risk highlights the increasing automation in lab work and data analysis. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out research opportunities, specialize early in areas like bioinformatics or computational biology, and plan for potential post-baccalaureate education.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Southern California's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Biology
How University of Southern California stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern California
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern California, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at University of Southern California
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Southern California?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology 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 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 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.