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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #543 of 822

Biologyat Vassar College

Graduates earn $37,802/yr in their first year — about 17.0% above the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $658K; scenarios range from $592K to $670K depending on AI disruption.

Poughkeepsie, NY Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
34 AT RISK
35
Optimistic
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,802
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.6x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$658K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Vassar College

Your Vassar Biology degree carries the weight of a highly selective liberal arts education, which significantly influences post-graduation outcomes. The robust analytical and critical thinking skills honed here, combined with rigorous scientific training, often propel graduates into competitive advanced degree programs, like medical school or PhD tracks, or directly into research-intensive roles within pharmaceutical, biotech, or academic institutions. Proximity to major East Coast scientific hubs, including New York City and Boston, means Vassar's strong alumni network and institutional reputation can open doors to sought-after positions beyond the immediate region. While certain lab functions face increasing automation, the program's emphasis on research design and complex problem-solving prepares you for leadership and strategic roles that are less susceptible to AI displacement. To truly leverage this foundation, actively seek out research opportunities throughout your undergraduate career and cultivate relationships within Vassar's powerful professional network.

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
$592K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score33/100
Earnings Multiple2.2x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$658K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score34/100
Earnings Multiple2.4x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$670K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score35/100
Earnings Multiple2.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

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

Career Paths

Where Biology 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
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/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 Biology

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

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at Vassar College

Other top programs at Vassar College

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Vassar College, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at Vassar College

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Vassar College?

At 34/100, 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 Vassar College?

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.