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Biology, General at Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,765/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #533 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 $430K $434K $418K
Earnings Multiple 10.4x 10.5x 10.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$41,216
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,040
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $31,765/yr, Biology, General graduates from Southwest Minnesota State University land near the $32,219 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 10.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,500 debt-to-$31,765 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #533 out of 822 programs, Southwest Minnesota State University's financial outcomes for Biology, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 2,045 students in Marshall, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Southwest Minnesota 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

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 Southwest Minnesota State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,933) Agricultural Business and Management ($49,521) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($49,245) Marketing ($48,939) Finance and Financial Management Services ($47,734) Social Work ($46,368) Special Education and Teaching ($44,510) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($43,875)

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

How does Southwest Minnesota State University's Biology, General program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Biology, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →