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Biology, General at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,381/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 31.7x earnings multiple (16.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #192 of 822 Biology, General programs Top 25%

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	$580K	$574K	$527K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	32.0x	31.7x	29.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	17.0x	16.8x	15.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$18,128

Out-of-state: $34,128 (16.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$50,316

-178% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,193

10.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,306

95% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,381 track close to the $32,219 national median for Biology, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 31.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,193 against $28,381/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Carolina University ranks #192 among 822 Biology, General programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $28,381-to-$55,306 earnings arc over five years reflects a 95% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina 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, General at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Western Carolina University?

At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology, General at Western Carolina 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.

Is Western Carolina University one of the best schools for Biology, General?

Among 822 Biology, General programs, Western Carolina University's #192 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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