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Biology, General at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,100/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (40% exposed)

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

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #816 of 822 Biology, General programs

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	$539K	$536K	$497K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.8x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	45%	35%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	19	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$193,072

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,652

51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,000

11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,470

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,100/yr fall 22% below the $32,219 national median for Biology, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,000 against $25,100/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #816 ranking among 822 Biology, General programs places Willamette University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,100-to-$48,470 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Willamette University

Willamette University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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

Other Majors at Willamette University

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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 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biology, General at Willamette University?

At 19/100, 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 Willamette 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 Willamette University a good choice for Biology, General despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Willamette University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

What do students actually pay for Biology, General at Willamette University?

The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $193,072. At a net cost of $94,652, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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