Biology, General at Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,554/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #361 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 $598K $591K $540K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 17.0x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.1x 8.0x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,760
Out-of-state: $73,928 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,716
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,091
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,554/yr fall 18% below the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 17.0x 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 $21,500 against $26,554/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #361 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Lamar University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $26,554-to-$56,091 earnings arc over five years reflects a 111% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Lamar University

Lamar University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 7,945 students in Beaumont, TX. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Lamar 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, General at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Lamar University?
At 40/100, 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 Lamar 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.
Is Lamar University a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lamar University'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 →