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Biology at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,871/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #176 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 graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$561K	$556K	$513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.1x	15.0x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.0x	5.0x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	46	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,950

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,778

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Washington University's Biology graduates start at $33,871/yr — above the $32,219 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 15.0x 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 career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,950 against $33,871/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Washington University ranks #176 among 822 Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,871-to-$55,778 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

A 91% acceptance rate means Western Washington University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Washington University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Western Washington University?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biology at Western Washington 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 Washington University one of the best schools for Biology?

Among 822 Biology programs, Western Washington University's #176 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 →