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Biology at Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,726/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.3x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #329 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 $688K $675K $605K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.6x 15.3x 13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.5x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,100
Out-of-state: $122,940 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,160
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,895
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,559
151% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,726/yr fall 20% below the $32,219 national median for Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #329 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Western Oregon University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,726-to-$64,559 earnings arc over five years reflects a 151% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon 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

Compare this program → View all 822 schools offering Biology →

Biology at Other Schools

University of San Diego ($54,223) Trinity College ($52,179) Worcester Polytechnic Institute ($51,711) Edgewood College ($51,134) Shepherd University ($49,165) Roger Williams University ($47,799) Barnard College ($47,329) Curry College ($46,736)

Other Majors at Western Oregon University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($51,703) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,845) Education, General ($43,879) Business/Commerce, General ($42,281) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($40,289) Information Science/Studies ($39,320) Communication and Media Studies ($37,600) Public Health ($35,701)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Western Oregon University?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Biology degree from Western Oregon University?
At $25,895 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Western Oregon 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 Oregon University a good choice for Biology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Oregon University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →