Biologyat University of Southern Maine
Graduates earn $43,722/yr in their first year — about 36.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $585K; scenarios range from $535K to $591K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Southern Maine
The strong earnings trajectory for USM Biology graduates speaks to the vibrant life sciences ecosystem developing in the Greater Portland area. You're not just getting a foundational degree; you're entering a regional market with increasing demand for skilled scientific talent. Companies like IDEXX Laboratories, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, and various biotech startups actively seek graduates with strong lab skills and a comprehensive scientific background.
This program often prepares students exceptionally well for professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary) or advanced graduate studies, which propel many into the higher-paying roles like medical scientists or research managers. The curriculum likely emphasizes practical laboratory work and critical thinking, making graduates immediately valuable. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships with local research institutions or biotech firms during your studies; these connections are crucial for leveraging this regional advantage into a high-earning career.
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 Maine'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 Maine stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Southern Maine
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Southern Maine, 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 Maine
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of Southern Maine?
A score of 56/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biology field.
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 $534,938 in decade earnings vs $591,122 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Southern Maine's Biology program stand out?
Ranked #18 of 822 programs nationally, University of Southern Maine lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.