Biology, General at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,053/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biology, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $630K $621K $563K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 22.1x 20.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.2x 7.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,994
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,092
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,053 per year, Biology, General graduates from California State University-Long Beach earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 22.1x 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, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,994 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

California State University-Long Beach ranks #41 among 822 Biology, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $35,053-to-$65,092 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Long Beach

California State University-Long Beach accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 34,131 in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

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, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Long Beach

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 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at California State University-Long Beach?
At 53/100, California State University-Long Beach's Biology, General program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at California State University-Long Beach?
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-Long Beach one of the best schools for Biology, General?
Among 822 Biology, General programs, California State University-Long Beach's #41 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 →