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Biology, General at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,159/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #234 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, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $599K $592K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.0x 10.9x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.8x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,594
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,841
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,159 per year, Biology, General graduates from James Madison University earn slightly above the $32,219 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,594 against $34,159/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #234 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places James Madison University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,159-to-$60,841 earnings arc over five years reflects a 78% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About James Madison University

With 76% of applicants admitted, James Madison University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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, 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 James Madison University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($81,761) Information Science/Studies ($80,173) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,490) Accounting and Related Services ($71,563) Engineering, General ($71,176) Finance and Financial Management Services ($67,849) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,931) Systems Science and Theory ($65,683)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology, General 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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at James Madison University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at James Madison 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →