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Biology at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,672/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 3.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #733 of 822 Biology, General programs

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	$583K	$577K	$529K
Earnings Multiple	3.1x	3.1x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$186,352

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$86,332

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

10.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,922

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,672/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $30,672/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #733 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Valparaiso University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,672-to-$56,922 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,229 in Valparaiso, IN. The average net cost of $86,332 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Valparaiso University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr

Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Valparaiso University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Valparaiso University?

At 26/100, 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 Valparaiso University?

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.

What do students actually pay for Biology at Valparaiso University?

The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $186,352. At a net cost of $86,332, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →