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Biological Sciences · Physiology Rank #62 of 62

Physiologyat Ursinus College

Graduates earn $26,123/yr in their first year — about 16.0% below the national Physiology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $641K; scenarios range from $571K to $649K depending on AI disruption.

Collegeville, PA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
17 AT RISK
18
Optimistic
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,123
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$641K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
51% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Ursinus College

The financial outcomes for this Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences program suggest a challenging path for immediate post-graduation employment. This often stems from the foundational nature of these disciplines, which frequently serve as strong preparation for advanced study rather than direct entry into high-paying roles with a bachelor's degree alone.

Many Ursinus graduates in this field likely pursue medical school, PA programs, or PhDs, where the real career and salary growth occur. Without that further education, you might find yourself competing for lab technician or research assistant positions within the highly competitive Philadelphia-area biotech and pharmaceutical industry, which often prioritize candidates with specialized skills or graduate degrees. Given the identified high AI risk, future job market pressures could further impact roles focused on routine analysis. If you're considering this path, plan for significant further education or be prepared to aggressively seek internships and build highly specialized, in-demand skills during your undergraduate years.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$571K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple2.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$641K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score17/100
Earnings Multiple2.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$649K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple2.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Ursinus College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Physiology graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
+17.3% 10-yr growth · 27,400 openings/yr
$105,620/yr
Moderate
3
Biochemists and biophysicists
+5.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$103,650/yr
Moderate
4
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
5
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
6
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Physiology

How Ursinus College stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
CT · Public
46
DW Score
$40K
1-yr earn
8.8x
ROI
University of Connecticut-Avery Point
CT · Public
46
DW Score
$40K
1-yr earn
8.8x
ROI
University of California-Davis
CA · Public
48
DW Score
$38K
1-yr earn
11.2x
ROI
Top score
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
OH · Public
53
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
27.9x
ROI
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
OH · Public
53
DW Score
$37K
1-yr earn
27.9x
ROI
Also at Ursinus College

Other top programs at Ursinus College

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ursinus College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Physiology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Physiology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Physiology at Ursinus College

What does a 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Physiology at Ursinus College?

At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Physiology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Physiology degree from Ursinus College?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Physiology at Ursinus College?

The 45% 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 Ursinus College a good choice for Physiology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Ursinus College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.