Biological and Physical Sciences at William Rainey Harper College
enrolling 8,815 students in Palatine, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,081 track close to the $26,356 national median for Biological and Physical Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 59.3x 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 40% gap from the optimistic case.
At $6,375 in median debt against $27,081 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #21 of 43 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, William Rainey Harper College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $49,656 show a 83% jump from the $27,081 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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 William Rainey Harper College
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