Biological & Physical Sciences at College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL · Public · Associate Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences

enrolling 9,282 students in Grayslake, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,724 put College of Lake County's Biological & Physical Sciences program 43% above the national median of $26,356 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 62.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 32% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological & Physical Sciences career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

College of Lake County ranks #8 among 43 Biological & Physical Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 42% earnings increase from $37,724 to $53,615 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
53
Low End
58
Score
60
High End
Earnings $37,724/yr (43% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$578K
9.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
64.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,988
Out-of-state: $28,072
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,615
42% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Natural sciences managers $161,180 +3.7% 50%
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490 +1.8% 100%
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580 -1.6% 67%
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
+3.7% growth 50% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580
-1.6% growth 67% AI-proof

Biological & Physical Sciences Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Biological & Physical Sciences careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Biological & Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences Overview

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of Lake County

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does College of Lake County's Biological & Physical Sciences program score?
A score of 58/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biological & Physical Sciences field.
What makes College of Lake County's Biological & Physical Sciences program stand out?
The #8 ranking out of 43 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
How could AI change the job market for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates?
Our model shows a 32% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Biological & Physical Sciences careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Will Biological & Physical Sciences graduates from College of Lake County find jobs?
With approximately 88,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Biological & Physical Sciences offers a large employment pool. College of Lake County graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →