Biological & Physical Sciencesat Washington State University
Graduates earn $46,288/yr in their first year — about 26.0% above the national Biological & Physical Sciences average. Base-case 10-year earnings $622K; scenarios range from $579K to $632K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington State University
Washington State University's Biological and Physical Sciences program clearly offers exceptional value, a testament to its strong academic foundation. This performance stems from WSU's identity as a major public research institution, particularly its strengths in areas like agricultural sciences, environmental research, and materials science. While Pullman is a smaller city, it acts as a hub for scientific inquiry, providing students with access to advanced lab facilities, faculty-led research projects, and partnerships that extend beyond campus. Your broad training here prepares you for diverse analytical roles, often leading to careers in research management, scientific consulting, or advanced education. Many graduates leverage this interdisciplinary background into specialized graduate programs or directly into industries like biotech, environmental consulting, or government science roles. To maximize your outcome, actively seek out research assistantships or internships early in your academic career.
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.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Washington State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
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.
Peer schools offering Biological & Physical Sciences
How Washington State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biological & Physical Sciences offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biological & Physical Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biological & Physical Sciences at Washington State University
How does Washington State University's Biological & Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 57/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.