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Marine Biology Degree in Warren, MI — Salary & ROI 2026

Marine Biology degree analysis for Warren, MI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$55K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

8.4 yrs

in Warren

Cost of Living

88.5

index (100 = avg)

Marine Biology in Warren, MI Overview

Warren, Michigan (pop. 139,387) has 6 colleges offering Marine Biology programs. The local cost of living index of 88.5 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $525/month. Marine Biology enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Scuba Diving and Marine Ecology. The adjusted starting salary in Warren is approximately $44,250.

Category

STEM

Local Colleges

6

Public Tuition

$15,400/yr

Private Tuition

$32,000/yr

Room & Board

$12,492/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$8,102/yr

Unemployment

4.8%

Graduation Rate

61%

Marine Biology Salary in Warren (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Warren's cost of living index of 88.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,250($-5,750 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$54,870($-7,130 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$69,030($-8,970 vs national)

Note: National average Marine Biology salary: $50,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Warren adjustment factor: 0.89x based on the local cost of living index.

Marine Biology ROI Calculator for Warren

Estimate your return on investment for a Marine Biology degree using local Warren tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $15,400 | Private avg: $32,000

Warren avg aid: $8,102/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$111,568

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,275

vs HS diploma in Warren

ROI Payback Period

8.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Warren

$109,682

Lifetime earnings premium ($221,250) minus total education cost ($111,568)

Student Loan Payoff for Marine Biology in Warren

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$111,568
Monthly Payment$1,267
Total Interest$40,452
% of Monthly Income34%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$111,568
Monthly Payment$2,183
Total Interest$19,409
Interest Savings$21,042

Colleges in Warren for Marine Biology

Warren State University

public

$15,866/yr

$63,464 total

University of Warren

public

$16,099/yr

$64,396 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Warren Community College

$4,976/yr

Top Employers for Marine Biology in Warren

Warren offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Marine Biology graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NOAAMonterey Bay AquariumUSGSWoods HoleNational Aquarium

Key Warren Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Marine Biology Job Titles

Marine BiologistAquaristEnvironmental Consultant

Marine Biology Degree in Warren — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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Compare Marine Biology ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Warren.

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