Biology at Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,381/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
31.7x earnings multiple (16.8x out-of-state)
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 | $580K | $574K | $527K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 32.0x | 31.7x | 29.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 17.0x | 16.8x | 15.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 45 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$18,128
Out-of-state: $34,128 (16.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,193
10.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,306
95% growth from Year 1
About Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →Top Career Paths
Natural sciences managers
$161,180/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590/yr
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330/yr
Compare & Explore
Biology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Carolina University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Western Carolina University?
At 45/100, 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 Western Carolina University?
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 Western Carolina University one of the best schools for Biology?
Among 822 Biology programs, Western Carolina University's #192 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →