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Biology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,078/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #527 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	$532K	$529K	$492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.0x	14.9x	13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.7x	6.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	34	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,456

Out-of-state: $78,608 (6.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,236

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,566

11.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,666

90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,078 per year, Biology graduates from Northwestern State University of Louisiana earn below the $32,219 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 14.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,566 against $25,078/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #527 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Northwestern State University of Louisiana in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,078-to-$47,666 earnings arc over five years reflects a 90% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northwestern State University of Louisiana

With 94% of applicants admitted, Northwestern State University of Louisiana prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,840 in Natchitoches, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwestern State University of Louisiana →

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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

At 34/100, 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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana?

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.

Is Northwestern State University of Louisiana a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Northwestern State University of Louisiana's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →