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Biology at Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,169/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #669 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 $410K $416K $404K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.7x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,020
Out-of-state: $88,024 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,212
-49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$40,623
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,169/yr, Biology graduates from Virginia State University land near the $32,219 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $28,169/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #669 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Virginia State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Virginia State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Virginia State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 4,787 students in Petersburg, VA. Pell Grant recipients make up 71% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia 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
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Virginia State University

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($65,472) Accounting and Related Services ($46,688) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($35,746) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($34,877) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($34,604) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($30,480) Social Work ($28,527) Psychology, General ($28,513)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Virginia State University?
At 30/100, 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 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 →