Biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,239/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
10.4x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
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 | $652K | $641K | $579K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.5x | 10.4x | 9.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.4x | 4.4x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 38 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,164
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,097
123% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's 57% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330/yr
Compare & Explore
Biology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 38/100, 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →