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Biology, General at Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,691/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #754 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $690K $677K $607K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,316
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,272
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,384
135% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,691 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,272 against $28,691/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #754 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Occidental College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,691-to-$67,384 earnings arc over five years reflects a 135% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Occidental College

Occidental College admits 40% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 1,844 in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,316 over four years — 38% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Occidental 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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology, General →

Biology, General at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Occidental College

Economics ($64,885) Computer Science ($63,845) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($49,529) Political Science and Government ($45,175) Sociology ($42,653) International Relations and National Security Studies ($35,231) Psychology, General ($31,002) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($30,526)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology, General trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Occidental College?
At 25/100, 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 Occidental College?
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 →