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Biology at Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,925/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #716 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 $839K $816K $715K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$251,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,468
65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,908
209% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,925 per year, Biology graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn below the $32,219 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,500 against $24,925/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #716 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Washington University in St Louis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $24,925-to-$76,908 earnings arc over five years reflects a 209% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Washington University in St Louis

With just 12% of applicants admitted, Washington University in St Louis ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 7,897 in Saint Louis, MO. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $88,468 — 65% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington University in St Louis →

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 Washington University in St Louis

Computer Science ($110,302) Business/Managerial Economics ($106,701) Finance and Financial Management Services ($102,814) Systems Engineering ($83,874) Mathematics ($79,799) Mechanical Engineering ($72,057) Marketing ($70,819) Chemical Engineering ($69,801)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Washington University in St Louis?
At 27/100, 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 Washington University in St Louis?
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.
Is Washington University in St Louis a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Washington University in St Louis's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Biology at Washington University in St Louis?
The 65% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $251,928. At a net cost of $88,468, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →