Biology at Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,052/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
8.7x earnings multiple
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 | $524K | $522K | $487K |
| Earnings Multiple | 8.8x | 8.7x | 8.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 45% | 35% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 37 | 37 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,891
49% growth from Year 1
About Western Illinois University
With 75% of applicants admitted, Western Illinois University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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 Illinois 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
How does Western Illinois University's Biology program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →