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Biological Sciences · Biology Rank #787 of 822

Biologyat William Carey University

Graduates earn $19,910/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $498K; scenarios range from $467K to $498K depending on AI disruption.

Hattiesburg, MS Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
23 AT RISK
24
Optimistic
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,910
1-year post-graduation
ROI
5.9x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$498K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
45% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at William Carey University

A general biology degree from William Carey presents a foundational science education, but your initial career trajectory and earning potential will largely be shaped by the regional job market in Mississippi. Unlike major biotech hubs, opportunities for high-paying, specialized research roles are less common here. Many graduates initially find themselves in entry-level positions within healthcare support, environmental services, or education, where compensation reflects local economic conditions rather than national averages for advanced scientific roles.

The higher-earning career paths often require significant further education—think medical school, a Ph.D., or specialized master's programs—to unlock those salary levels. A bachelor's alone is typically a stepping stone. To maximize your return on investment, strategically plan for graduate studies or actively seek internships that provide highly marketable lab skills, data analysis experience, or business acumen to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$467K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple8.0x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$498K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score23/100
Earnings Multiple8.5x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$498K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple8.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to William Carey University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Biology graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
+8.7% 10-yr growth · 9,600 openings/yr
$100,590/yr
High
3
Biological scientists, all other
+1.2% 10-yr growth · 4,800 openings/yr
$93,330/yr
Moderate
4
Life scientists, all other
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 400 openings/yr
$87,800/yr
Low
5
Biological science teachers, postsecondary
+7.3% 10-yr growth · 5,400 openings/yr
$83,460/yr
Moderate
6
Forensic science technicians
+12.8% 10-yr growth · 2,900 openings/yr
$67,440/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Biology

How William Carey University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of San Diego
CA · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
2.1x
ROI
Trinity College
CT · Private nonprofit
42
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MA · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.5x
ROI
Edgewood College
WI · Private nonprofit
45
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
3.1x
ROI
Top score
Shepherd University
WV · Public
59
DW Score
$49K
1-yr earn
15.8x
ROI
Also at William Carey University

Other top programs at William Carey University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at William Carey University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biology at William Carey University

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at William Carey University?

At 23/100, 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 William Carey 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 William Carey University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If William Carey University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.