Biology at Merrimack College

North Andover, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,506/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #463 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 $484K $485K $458K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$207,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$151,596
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates of Merrimack College's Biology program earn $41,506/yr in their first year — 29% above the $32,219 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$41,506 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #463 out of 822 programs, Merrimack College's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Merrimack College

Merrimack College has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 4,043 students in North Andover, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Merrimack 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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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

How does Merrimack College's Biology program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →