Biology at Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,717/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #219 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 $520K $518K $484K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.4x 14.4x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.2x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,096
Out-of-state: $71,712 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,008
-94% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,550
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,534
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,717 at Missouri State University-Springfield come in 8% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology programs.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,550 against $34,717/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #219 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Missouri State University-Springfield in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $34,717 to $50,534 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State University-Springfield accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,407 in Springfield, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri State University-Springfield →

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 Missouri State University-Springfield

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Missouri State University-Springfield?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Missouri State University-Springfield?
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 →