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Biology at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,500/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #628 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $675K $663K $596K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,997
103% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,500/yr, edging above the $32,219 national average for Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,500 in median debt against $34,500 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #628 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Cornell University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,500-to-$69,997 earnings arc over five years reflects a 103% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Cornell University

Cornell University admits 8% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, enrolling 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology 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 Cornell University

Computer Science ($152,656) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($103,650) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($100,516) Operations Research ($96,377) Agricultural Business and Management ($92,163) Mathematics ($87,251) Chemical Engineering ($85,578) Mechanical Engineering ($85,440)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Cornell University?
At 31/100, 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 Cornell University?
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.
What do students actually pay for Biology at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →