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Biology at Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,638/yr (-33% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 4.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #784 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	$593K	$587K	$537K
Earnings Multiple	4.9x	4.9x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$120,232

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$147,312

-23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

14.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,873

140% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,638 place Spelman College below the $32,219 national median for Biology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 4.9x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

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

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #784 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Spelman College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,638-to-$51,873 earnings arc over five years reflects a 140% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Spelman College

Spelman College accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a compact campus enrolling 3,633 students in Atlanta, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at Spelman 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

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Spelman College

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 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Spelman College?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Spelman College?

At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Spelman 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.

Is Spelman College a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Spelman College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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