How much does a life sciences (pre-health) earn in Alberta?

Roughly $39,900 in the first years and $74,900 by year five (Alberta median, before tax). Source: U of A standard tuition and fees 2026-27; Alberta Advanced Education graduate earnings report; ALIS Biologist profile (forecast Cool).

What does it cost in Alberta?

About $35,152 in tuition and fees; typical debt if you borrow $26,752. Most grads need further credentials.

How long does it take?

About 4 years, first real paycheque in about 4 years.

University degree

Life sciences (pre-health)

BSc Biological Sciences

Numbers for 21 of 30 verified for Alberta; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify

Trades are 3 to 4 periods at NAIT or SAIT; RAP lets high-school students start. Numbers from ALIS (Alberta wage survey and outlook), NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta.

Years to credential4

First real paycheque~4 years

Time in a classroom85%

Total cost$35,152

Typical debt after$26,752

Demand in AlbertaLimited

The first ten years

schoolschoolschoolschoolearnearnearnearnearnearn

Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

Alberta median before tax. Overtime, location and specialisation change this a lot. Net by year 10 after program cost: $344k, low to high $282k to $405k.

What's in "net by year 10"

Earnings, years 1 to 10	$379k	4 years at $0 while in school, then $39,900 rising to $74,900 by year five, flat after
Program cost	−$35k	tuition and fees
Typical (medians)	$344k	the number on the card
Low to high	$282k to $405k	pay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Alberta median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isBiology, chemistry and stats; large lecture halls; research opportunities if you seek them out.

What actually stops peopleGetting in is fine. Getting into medicine, dentistry or pharmacy afterwards is the real filter, and most don't.

The downsideOn its own, the degree leads to lab-tech or sales roles at modest pay. It is a stepping stone, and the step is steep.

If you're the parentRight if your child is committed to a professional program afterwards. Have a plan B conversation before, not after, four years.

Local opportunities in Alberta

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

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How to enter

What you need

Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Functions
Average around 75+

Deadlines in Alberta

ApplyAlberta: U of A and U of C early admission from October; most deadlines March 1
Alberta Student Aid opens in spring

Next steps in Alberta

Save or share this pathway

Email it to yourself or someone who should see it.

In AlbertaMost grads need further credentials.

www.ualberta.ca · alis.alberta.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Alberta Sources: U of A standard tuition and fees 2026-27; Alberta Advanced Education graduate earnings report; ALIS Biologist profile (forecast Cool)

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