Biology at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Biology, General

with a mid-sized student body of 16,131 in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,791/yr, roughly in line with the $30,068 national median for Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 35.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #12 ranking among 18 Biology programs places South Texas College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 20% earnings increase from $28,791 to $34,637 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Biology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
47
Score
49
High End
Earnings $28,791/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (113,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$358K
4.7% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
36.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
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)
$9,840
Out-of-state: $15,000
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,637
20% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Biology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Natural sciences managers $161,180 +3.7% 50%
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590 +8.7% 48%
Biological scientists, all other $93,330 +1.2% 51%
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
+3.7% growth 50% AI-proof
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
$100,590
+8.7% growth 48% AI-proof
Biological scientists, all other
$93,330
+1.2% growth 51% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Biology Career Guide

Explore what Biology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 18 programs nationwide.

Read the full Biology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biology Overview

Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Texas College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South Texas College's Biology program score?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for Biology graduates from South Texas College?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — South Texas College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Can I learn Biology through an apprenticeship instead of South Texas College?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Biology. For students weighing South Texas College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Biology from South Texas College?
With approximately 113,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Biology offers a very large employment pool. South Texas College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →