Biology at California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,479/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #245 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

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 $525K $523K $487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.6x 18.5x 17.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,256
Out-of-state: $75,776 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$14,636
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,005
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,951
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,479/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,005 against $31,479/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #245 ranking among 822 Biology programs places California State University-Dominguez Hills in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,479-to-$49,951 earnings arc over five years reflects a 59% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Dominguez Hills

California State University-Dominguez Hills accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 12,642 students in Carson, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 61% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,636 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Dominguez Hills →

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-Dominguez Hills

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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at California State University-Dominguez Hills?
At 43/100, 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 California State University-Dominguez Hills?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →