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Biology, General at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,206/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #430 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 $609K $601K $548K
Earnings Multiple 11.5x 11.3x 10.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,922
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,410
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,206/yr, Biology, General graduates from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale land near the $32,219 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,922 against $28,206/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #430 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,206-to-$58,410 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

With 90% of applicants admitted, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,116 in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Fire Protection ($104,017) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($73,283) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($72,495) Computer Science ($70,053) Mechanical Engineering ($69,454) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($69,021) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($68,670) Civil Engineering ($65,269)

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
At 37/100, 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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
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 →