Biology Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Starting Salary
$45K
median
Mid-Career
$75K
salary
ROI Payback
6 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Biology Overview
Study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Category
STEM
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
60%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
30%
Lifetime Premium
$400K
Female Graduates
58%
Biology Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$18,000
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$18,000
after scholarships
ROI Payback
2 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$382,000
Lifetime earnings premium ($400,000) minus net degree cost ($18,000)
Biology Salary Progression
Common Biology Careers
Research Assistant
Lab Technician
Biological Scientist
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Biology
#1
Harvard
#2
MIT
#3
Stanford
#4
Johns Hopkins
#5
UC San Diego
Related Majors
Biology Degree FAQ
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