Biology at West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Beckley, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,086/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #337 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

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 $625K $616K $560K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.4x 19.1x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $80,480 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,828
-23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,866
131% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,086/yr fall 22% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $25,086/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #337 ranking among 822 Biology programs places West Virginia University Institute of Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,086-to-$57,866 earnings arc over five years reflects a 131% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About West Virginia University Institute of Technology

With a 61% acceptance rate, West Virginia University Institute of Technology is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,009 in Beckley, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia University Institute of Technology →

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

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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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
At 41/100, 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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology?
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 West Virginia University Institute of Technology a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If West Virginia University Institute of Technology's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →