Biological & Physical Sciences at Rend Lake College

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

with a smaller student body of 1,196 in Ina, IL.

Program Analysis

Rend Lake College's Biological & Physical Sciences program produces graduates earning $24,444/yr — within striking distance of the $26,356 national average for this trade.

The 43.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 28% task exposure — and the 37% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.

At #31 out of 43 programs, Rend Lake College's financial outcomes for Biological & Physical Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $24,444 to $36,967 over five years (51% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
44
Score
46
High End
Earnings $24,444/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$407K
10.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
45.2x
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)
$9,000
Out-of-state: $15,600
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,967
51% 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

What can you do with a Biological & Physical Sciences credential from Rend Lake College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Biological & Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences Overview

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rend Lake College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Biological & Physical Sciences at Rend Lake College?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Biological & Physical Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How sensitive is Biological & Physical Sciences to AI disruption?
Our model shows a 37% 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.
How many job openings are there for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates?
At 88,200 annual openings, Biological & Physical Sciences has a large employment base. Rend Lake College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →