Biological & Physical Sciences at Illinois Valley Community College

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

a smaller institution with 1,851 students in Oglesby, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $18,345 place Illinois Valley Community College below the $26,356 national median for Biological & Physical Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 37.8x 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 #40 of 43 Biological & Physical Sciences programs, Illinois Valley Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $47,453 show a 159% jump from the $18,345 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

40 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
34
Low End
40
Score
41
High End
Earnings $18,345/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$322K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
39.6x
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)
$8,120
Out-of-state: $29,962
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,453
159% 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

Explore what Biological & Physical Sciences graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 43 programs nationwide.

Read the full Biological & Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences Overview

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Illinois Valley Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Biological & Physical Sciences at Illinois Valley Community College?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biological & Physical Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Biological & Physical Sciences earnings lower at Illinois Valley Community College?
Lower starting pay at Illinois Valley Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How could AI change the job market for Biological & Physical Sciences graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 40% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Is there demand for Biological & Physical Sciences workers?
At 88,200 annual openings, Biological & Physical Sciences has a large employment base. Illinois Valley Community 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 →