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Biology, General at Central College

Pella, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,933/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #524 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $657K $646K $582K
Earnings Multiple 7.8x 7.7x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$83,952
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,412
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,537
132% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,933 per year, Biology, General graduates from Central College earn below the $32,219 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 7.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #524 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Central College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,933-to-$62,537 earnings arc over five years reflects a 132% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Central College

With 79% of applicants admitted, Central College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,062 students in Pella, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central 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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology, General →

Biology, General at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Central College

Accounting and Related Services ($58,850) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,760) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,000) Sociology ($38,034) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($35,914) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($30,211) Psychology, General ($29,923)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Biology, General trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Central College?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology, General degree from Central College?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Central College?
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 Central College a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Central College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →