Biological & Physical Sciences at San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences

serving 15,899 students in San Diego, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,521 place San Diego Mesa College below the $26,356 national median for Biological & Physical Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 142.1x 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 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates.

Ranked #13 out of 43 programs, San Diego Mesa College's Biological & Physical Sciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $19,521 to $61,434 over five years (215% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $19,521/yr (-26% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$343K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
148.9x
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)
$2,300
Out-of-state: $18,188
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,434
215% 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 San Diego Mesa College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Biological & Physical Sciences at San Diego Mesa College?
At 54/100, San Diego Mesa College's Biological & Physical Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Why are Biological & Physical Sciences earnings lower at San Diego Mesa College?
Lower starting pay at San Diego Mesa College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
What's the AI uncertainty for Biological & Physical Sciences careers?
Our model shows a 40% 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.
What's the job market like for Biological & Physical Sciences from San Diego Mesa College?
At 88,200 annual openings, Biological & Physical Sciences has a large employment base. San Diego Mesa 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 →