Biology at California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,344/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 23.4x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 1%

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 $649K $638K $577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.8x 23.4x 21.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.7x 8.5x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,268
Out-of-state: $74,788 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,168
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,375
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,162
80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,344 per year, Biology graduates from California State University-Channel Islands earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 23.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $18,375 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Among 822 Biology programs nationally, California State University-Channel Islands ranks #9 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $38,344-to-$69,162 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Channel Islands

With 93% of applicants admitted, California State University-Channel Islands prioritizes broad access, serving 5,230 students in Camarillo, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Channel Islands →

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 California State University-Channel Islands

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 does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at California State University-Channel Islands?
At 58/100, California State University-Channel Islands's Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at California State University-Channel Islands?
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 California State University-Channel Islands one of the best schools for Biology?
Among 822 Biology programs, California State University-Channel Islands's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →