Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,798/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
14.4x earnings multiple (4.0x 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 | $658K | $647K | $583K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.7x | 14.4x | 13.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.0x | 3.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 52 | 51 | 50 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (4.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,812
92% growth from Year 1
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →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
Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 51/100, University of Wisconsin-Madison's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →