Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,844 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 3.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Biology, General's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,844 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #650 of 822 Biology, General programs, Augustana College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $63,514 show a 93% jump from the $32,844 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.