Entry Level Salary
$45,017
Median Salary
$95,000
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
26.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,800,000
Entry (Early)
$45,017
Median (Prime)
$95,000
High (Prime)
$98,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-50k
+367k
+391k
$25k / yr
-140k
+277k
+301k
$50k / yr
-230k
+187k
+211k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
25
25
$25k / yr
Never
30
29
$50k / yr
Never
35
34
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-128%
255%
277%
$50k / yr
-106%
86%
97%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate42.2%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Management occupations
6.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$102,022
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$103,967|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Postsecondary teachers
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,436
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$74,148|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$57,084
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,084|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Secondary school teachers
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$58,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$83,804|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Physicians
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$197,364
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$303,637|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Teaching assistants
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$2,317
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$30,000|$37,010
openings
201,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Top executives
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$150,613
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$231,713|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Software developers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$104,504
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$160,776|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Business operations specialists, all other
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$68,683
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$105,666|$83,050
openings
98,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.9%
Computer occupations, all other
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$52,894
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$81,375|$116,580
openings
27,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.1%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| biological and biomedical sciences, other. | Associate's Degree | 7 | $38,396 - $38,396 |
| biological and biomedical sciences, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 47 | $33,568 - $93,246 |
| biological and biomedical sciences, other. | Master's Degree | 31 | $61,045 - $103,565 |
| biological and biomedical sciences, other. | Doctoral Degree | 29 | $108,414 - $108,414 |
| biological and biomedical sciences, other. | Graduate Certificate | 4 | $64,263 - $64,263 |
| biological and physical sciences. | Undergrad Certificate | 2 | Data N/A |
| biological and physical sciences. | Associate's Degree | 149 | $35,425 - $89,041 |
| biological and physical sciences. | Bachelor's Degree | 99 | $41,759 - $102,801 |
| biological and physical sciences. | Master's Degree | 30 | $57,522 - $125,457 |
| biological and physical sciences. | Doctoral Degree | 13 | Data N/A |
| physical sciences, other. | Associate's Degree | 3 | Data N/A |
| physical sciences, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 17 | $59,594 - $78,082 |
| physical sciences, other. | Master's Degree | 6 | $80,494 - $80,494 |
| physical sciences, other. | Doctoral Degree | 7 | Data N/A |
| social sciences, other. | Associate's Degree | 5 | $28,986 - $48,893 |
| social sciences, other. | Bachelor's Degree | 84 | $30,042 - $101,138 |
| social sciences, other. | Master's Degree | 25 | $50,531 - $87,609 |
| social sciences, other. | Doctoral Degree | 8 | $73,080 - $73,080 |
| social sciences, other. | Graduate Certificate | 4 | Data N/A |