Biological & Physical Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,709/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market
Large (88,200 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $569K | $564K | $528K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.6x | 8.6x | 8.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.6x | 3.6x | 3.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 53% | 49% | 43% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 45 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,252
56% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 20,797 in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580/yr
Compare & Explore
Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Commonwealth 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biological & Physical Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biological & Physical Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →