Biology, General at Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,149/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.8x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #218 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 $571K $566K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.8x 15.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.5x 8.4x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 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)
$33,600
Out-of-state: $67,200 (8.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,612
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,426
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,730
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,149/yr, Biology, General graduates from Missouri Southern State University land near the $32,219 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 16.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,426 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #218 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Missouri Southern State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,149-to-$55,730 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Missouri Southern State University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Missouri Southern State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,101 students in Joplin, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri Southern 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Missouri Southern State 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 Missouri Southern 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 →