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Biology at Berea College

Berea, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,744/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #812 of 822 Biology, General programs

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	$556K	$552K	$510K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.8x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	20	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$197,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$17,932

91% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,489

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,744/yr fall 17% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #812 of 822 Biology programs, Berea College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $51,489 show a 93% jump from the $26,744 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Berea College

Berea College admits 33% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 1,472 students in Berea, KY. Pell Grant recipients make up 81% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $17,932 over four years represents a 91% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Berea College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr

Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biology at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Berea College?

A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Biology careers?

With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $509,509 in decade earnings vs $556,036 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Biology from Berea College?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Is Berea College a hidden gem for Biology?

After financial aid, the average student pays $17,932 over four years — 91% below the $197,304 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →