Biological and Physical Sciences at Modesto Junior College

Modesto, CA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 14,714 students in Modesto, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,960/yr, edging above the $26,356 national average for Biological and Physical Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 210.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological and Physical Sciences career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Modesto Junior College ranks #1 among 43 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $31,960-to-$64,091 earnings arc over five years reflects a 101% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
64
Score
65
High End
Earnings $31,960/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$561K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
220.8x
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)
$2,540
Out-of-state: $17,740
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,091
101% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Biological and 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

About Biological and Physical Sciences Careers

Your career in the sciences likely begins in a classroom or a lab. As a secondary school teacher, you’ll spend your days guiding students through everything from frog dissections to chemical reactions, planning engaging lessons, and setting up lab equipment. Another path is postsecondary teaching, which involves more university-level lecturing, independent research, and mentoring future scientists.

Read the full Biological and Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological and Physical Sciences Overview

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Modesto Junior College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Modesto Junior College's Biological and Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 64/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.
Is Modesto Junior College one of the best schools for Biological and Physical Sciences?
The #1 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 sensitive is Biological and Physical Sciences to AI disruption?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Biological and Physical Sciences are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Biological and Physical Sciences graduates?
The career paths mapped to Biological and Physical Sciences have roughly 88,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →