Biology at Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,494/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #686 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 $527K $525K $488K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$165,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,692
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,398
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bridgewater College's Biology graduates start at $34,494/yr — above the $32,219 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$34,494 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #686 out of 822 programs, Bridgewater College's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,494 to $51,398 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Bridgewater College

A 91% acceptance rate means Bridgewater College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,388 in Bridgewater, VA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $80,692 — 51% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bridgewater 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

Other Majors at Bridgewater College

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

How does Bridgewater College's Biology program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Biology at Bridgewater College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $165,400, but the average net cost is $80,692 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →