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Biological & Physical Sciences at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences

serving 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $30,605/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 37.4x 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 27% gap from the optimistic case.

At $9,259 in median debt against $30,605 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #24 of 43 Biological & Physical Sciences programs, Tidewater Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,605 to $41,396 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
44
Low End
48
Score
49
High End
Earnings $30,605/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (72% shielded)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$440K
7.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.5x
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)
$11,428
Out-of-state: $23,434
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,259
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,396
35% 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

View all 43 schools offering Biological & Physical Sciences →

Biological & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Laurel Ridge Community College ($37,850) College of Lake County ($37,724) Riverside City College ($33,201) City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College ($33,115) Modesto Junior College ($31,960) Shasta College ($31,415) Joliet Junior College ($30,509) City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College ($30,203)

Other Majors at Tidewater Community College

Nursing ($69,764) Engineering ($68,555) Allied Health Professions ($62,524) Electrical Engineering Technology ($56,971) Mechanical Engineering Technology ($54,461) Vehicle Repair Technology ($47,722) Computer Science ($45,084) Allied Health Professions ($42,572)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Biological & Physical Sciences degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Biological & Physical Sciences at Tidewater Community College?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Biological & Physical Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Will Biological & Physical Sciences graduates from Tidewater Community College find jobs?
Job availability for Biological & Physical Sciences is strong — 88,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Tidewater Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in VA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →