Biological and Physical Sciences at Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL · Public · Associate Degree

serving 8,843 students in Joliet, IL.

Program Analysis

Joliet Junior College's Biological and Physical Sciences graduates start at $30,509/yr — above the $26,356 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 35.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biological and Physical Sciences career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #26 ranking among 43 Biological and Physical Sciences programs places Joliet Junior College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
47
Score
48
High End
Earnings $30,509/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$319K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
35.2x
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)
$9,060
Out-of-state: $27,600

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 Joliet Junior College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Joliet Junior College's Biological and Physical Sciences program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Biological and Physical Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 →