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Biology at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,766/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 2.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #708 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	$509K	$508K	$476K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.5x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$203,856

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,480

58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,616

35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Pacific Lutheran University's Biology graduates start at $36,766/yr — above the $32,219 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 $22,500 against $36,766/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #708 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Pacific Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 35% earnings increase from $36,766 to $49,616 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Pacific Lutheran University

A 81% acceptance rate means Pacific Lutheran University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Pacific Lutheran University?

At 28/100, 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 Pacific Lutheran 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.

What do students actually pay for Biology at Pacific Lutheran University?

The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $203,856. At a net cost of $85,480, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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