Biology, General at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,427/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 10%

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 $632K $623K $565K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,764
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,103
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,427 per year, Biology, General graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst significantly outpace the $32,219 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,250 against $40,427/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #80 of 822 programs, this Biology, General program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $40,427-to-$68,103 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 23,694 students in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
At 50/100, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Biology, General program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
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 →