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

Program Analysis

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.

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

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

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington University in St Louis

Consider the Trade Route?

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 →