Biology at Whittier College

Whittier, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,139/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #731 of 822 Biology, General programs

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 $575K $570K $523K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,456
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$119,484
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,770
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,139/yr, roughly in line with the $32,219 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 $25,000 against $32,139/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #731 ranking among 822 Biology programs places Whittier College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,139-to-$56,770 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Whittier College

Whittier College accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 812 students in Whittier, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $119,484 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Whittier College →

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 Whittier College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology at Whittier College?
At 26/100, 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 Whittier College?
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 →