Biology at Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,695/yr (42% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #229 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 $674K $661K $595K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$248,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,196
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,128
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,938
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $45,695 put Lehigh University's Biology program 42% above the national median of $32,219 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.7x — 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 $23,128 represents roughly 6 months of the $45,695 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #229 of 822 Biology programs, Lehigh University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $75,938 show a 66% jump from the $45,695 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Lehigh University

Lehigh University accepts 29% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with a mid-sized student body of 5,803 in Bethlehem, PA. The average net cost of $134,196 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh University?
A score of 44/100 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 $594,717 in decade earnings vs $673,587 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →