Biology at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,807/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #325 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 $693K $680K $609K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,240
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,369
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,807 per year, Biology graduates from Clarkson University earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Biology's typical career paths, with 40% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,240 represents roughly 8 months of the $39,807 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #325 of 822 Biology programs, Clarkson University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $75,369 show a 89% jump from the $39,807 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Clarkson University

With 77% of applicants admitted, Clarkson University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,449 in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson University →

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 Clarkson University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Clarkson University?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Biology careers?
With 40% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $609,091 in decade earnings vs $693,416 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →