Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $25,100/yr fall 22% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.
The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $23,000 against $25,100/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #816 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Willamette University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $25,100-to-$48,470 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.