Biology at Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,672/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (15.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #462 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 $561K $556K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.2x 17.0x 15.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.1x 15.0x 13.8x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,692
Out-of-state: $37,064 (15.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,364
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,666
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,054
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,672/yr fall 27% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biology programs nationally.

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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,666 represents roughly 11 months of the $23,672 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #462 of 822 Biology programs, Nicholls State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $50,054 show a 111% jump from the $23,672 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,772 in Thibodaux, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Nicholls 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 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biology at Nicholls State University?
A score of 36/100 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 $512,994 in decade earnings vs $560,847 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biology from Nicholls State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →