Biology at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,516/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #305 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 50%

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 $544K $541K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 11.8x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.8x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,837
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,861
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,516 at Texas State University come in 7% above the national median of $32,219 for Biology programs.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,837 against $34,516/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #305 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Texas State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,516-to-$53,861 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Texas State University

Texas State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 34,547 students enrolled in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Texas State University?
At 42/100, 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 Texas 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →