Biology at Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,726/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk
High (40% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI
15.3x earnings multiple (5.5x 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 | $688K | $675K | $605K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.6x | 15.3x | 13.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.5x | 4.9x |
| 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)
$44,100
Out-of-state: $122,940 (5.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,895
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,559
151% growth from Year 1
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon 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 Oregon 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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Western Oregon University?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Western Oregon University?
At $25,895 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Western Oregon 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 Oregon University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Oregon University'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 →