Biological & Physical Sciences at Rock Valley College

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

with a smaller student body of 4,362 in Rockford, IL.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,956 place Rock Valley 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 43.0x 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 #35 of 43 Biological & Physical Sciences programs, Rock Valley College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $46,438 show a 112% jump from the $21,956 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
43
Score
45
High End
Earnings $21,956/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$385K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
45.1x
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)
$8,548
Out-of-state: $42,688
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,438
112% 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

See the full career breakdown for Biological & Physical Sciences — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Rock Valley College and 42 other schools.

Read the full Biological & Physical Sciences career guide →

Compare & Explore

Biological & Physical Sciences Overview

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Rock Valley College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Biological & Physical Sciences at Rock Valley College?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biological & Physical Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Biological & Physical Sciences earnings lower at Rock Valley College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rock Valley College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
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.
Will Biological & Physical Sciences graduates from Rock Valley College find jobs?
The large job market (88,200 annual openings) works in favor of Biological & Physical Sciences graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →