Home › McNeese State University › Biology, General

Biology, General at McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,276/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

ROI 17.9x earnings multiple (15.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #255 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	$614K	$605K	$551K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.1x	17.9x	16.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	15.4x	15.2x	13.8x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,840

Out-of-state: $39,840 (15.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,028

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,736

8.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,995

109% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,276/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 17.9x 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 $20,736 against $28,276/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #255 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places McNeese State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $28,276-to-$58,995 earnings arc over five years reflects a 109% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About McNeese State University

A 68% admission rate makes McNeese State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a smaller institution with 4,846 students in Lake Charles, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at McNeese State 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

Other Majors at McNeese State University

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at McNeese State University?

At 43/100, 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 McNeese State 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 →