Biology, General at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,259/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 21.3x earnings multiple (8.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #20 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 5%

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 $644K $633K $573K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.7x 21.3x 19.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.3x 8.2x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (8.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,380
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,259/yr, edging above the $32,219 national average for Biology, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 21.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,000 in median debt against $36,259 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

San Francisco State University ranks #20 among 822 Biology, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,259-to-$67,380 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 20,033 in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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, General at Other Schools

Compare Biology, General

Other Majors at San Francisco State 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 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at San Francisco State University?
At 55/100, San Francisco State University's Biology, General program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at San Francisco State 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.
Is San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Biology, General?
Among 822 Biology, General programs, San Francisco State University's #20 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →