Biologyat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $23,395/yr in their first year — about 27.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $735K; scenarios range from $652K to $752K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
Your journey through UVA's Biology program, while rooted in an elite academic environment, often unfolds as a strong launchpad for further specialization rather than immediate high-earning careers. The foundational nature of a general biology degree, combined with UVA's robust pre-health and research advising, means many graduates are strategically positioning themselves for medical school, PhD programs, or other advanced degrees. The university's proximity to its world-class medical center provides unparalleled undergraduate research opportunities, but initial post-graduation roles are often entry-level lab technician or research assistant positions as you build experience or pursue advanced credentials. The real career and salary acceleration for biological scientists typically comes after completing a master's, PhD, or medical degree. To maximize your long-term success, leverage UVA's strong research culture and alumni network to forge clear pathways into specialized graduate programs or targeted industry roles early in your undergraduate 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 Virginia'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 Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, 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 Virginia
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
A score of 34/100 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 $651,573 in decade earnings vs $752,022 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from University of Virginia-Main Campus?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.