Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,149 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 9.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,500 debt-to-$31,149 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #387 out of 822 programs, Virginia Commonwealth University's Biology, General offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $31,149 to $62,092 over five years (99% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.