Biological and Physical Sciences at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

Chicago, IL · Public · Associate Degree

serving 5,847 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,203 at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College come in 15% above the national median of $26,356 for Biological and Physical Sciences programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 36.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biological and Physical Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biological and Physical Sciences's career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $30,203 far exceeding the $4,800 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #25 of 43 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
47
Score
48
High End
Earnings $30,203/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$316K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
36.1x
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)
$8,760
Out-of-state: $28,860
Median Debt at Graduation
$4,800
1.9 months of Year 1 earnings

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 City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X 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 City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College's Biological and Physical Sciences program score?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological and Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the typical debt for Biological and Physical Sciences graduates from City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
At $4,800 in median debt, Biological and Physical Sciences graduates from City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Is there demand for Biological and Physical Sciences workers?
With approximately 88,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Biological and Physical Sciences offers a large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →