Biologyat Washington University in St Louis
Graduates earn $24,925/yr in their first year — about 23.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $816K; scenarios range from $715K to $839K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington University in St Louis
Studying Biology at an institution like Washington University in St. Louis positions you for a rigorous, research-intensive path, often with an eye towards advanced degrees. While initial career figures might reflect general biology's broad nature, many graduates pursue medical school, PhD programs, or specialized research roles, where earning potential escalates significantly later. Your strong foundation here, backed by WashU's renowned School of Medicine and BJC HealthCare connections, offers unparalleled opportunities for lab experience, clinical research, and networking with leading scientists. This also influences the evolving landscape of career risk; roles focused on repetitive lab tasks are more susceptible to automation, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and data interpretation skills. To maximize your return, actively seek out specific research opportunities, internships, and consider early specialization or a dual major to align your skills with high-demand areas in biotech or healthcare.
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 University in St Louis'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 Biology
How Washington University in St Louis stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington University in St Louis
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington University in St Louis, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Biology at Washington University in St Louis
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.