Biological & Physical Sciences at American River College

Sacramento, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences

with 25,758 students enrolled in Sacramento, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,022/yr, edging above the $26,356 national average for Biological & Physical Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 188.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biological & Physical Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biological & Physical Sciences's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 40% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #3 of 43 programs, American River College's Biological & Physical Sciences program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $49,867 show a 72% jump from the $29,022 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
62
Score
63
High End
Earnings $29,022/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$509K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
197.7x
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)
$2,576
Out-of-state: $25,616
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,867
72% 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

Biological & Physical Sciences opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Biological & Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences Overview

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at American River 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 American River College's Biological & Physical Sciences program score?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biological & Physical Sciences field.
How could AI change the job market for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Biological & Physical Sciences are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Is there demand for Biological & Physical Sciences workers?
Job availability for Biological & Physical Sciences is strong — 88,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For American River College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →