Biology at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biology, General
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,142/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #414 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 $719K $704K $628K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,276
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,142/yr, edging above the $32,219 national average for Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$35,142 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #414 out of 822 programs, Widener University's financial outcomes for Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $35,142 to $75,276 over five years (114% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Widener University

Widener University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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

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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

How does Widener University's Biology program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →