Biological and Physical Sciences at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,288/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $632K $622K $579K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.0x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.4x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,853
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,997
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Washington State University Biological and Physical Sciences graduates command $46,288/yr out of the gate, well above the $36,628 national median. That 26% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 12.0x 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 — 28% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,853 in median debt clears quickly against $46,288 in annual earnings.

A #2 ranking out of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs nationally puts Washington State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,288 to $68,997 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Washington State University

A 85% acceptance rate means Washington State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 21,583 students in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Washington State University

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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 Washington State University's Biological and Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 57/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →