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Biology, General at The University of the South

Sewanee, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,932/yr (-26% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 1.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #807 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	$386K	$394K	$387K
Earnings Multiple	1.8x	1.8x	1.8x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	21	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$214,792

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$109,992

49% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

12.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,932/yr fall 26% below the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 1.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,932 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #807 out of 822 programs, The University of the South's financial outcomes for Biology, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About The University of the South

With a 51% acceptance rate, The University of the South is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,598 students in Sewanee, TN. The average net cost of $109,992 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of the South →

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

Other Majors at The University of the South

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does The University of the South's Biology, General program score?

This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Biology, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do The University of the South Biology, General graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

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.

Why are Biology, General earnings lower at The University of the South?

Lower starting pay at The University of the South may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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