Biology at Ithaca College

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,351/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #717 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 $663K $651K $587K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,040
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$131,860
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,294
127% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,351 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $28,351/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #717 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Ithaca College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,351-to-$64,294 earnings arc over five years reflects a 127% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ithaca College

With a 70% acceptance rate, Ithaca College is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,350 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $131,860 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ithaca 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

Biology at Other Schools

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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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Ithaca College?
At 27/100, 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 Ithaca 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →