Biochemistry at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,436/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #115 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemistry graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $463K $465K $445K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $38,436/yr, Biochemistry graduates from Augustana College land near the $37,918 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$38,436 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #115 out of 136 programs, Augustana College's financial outcomes for Biochemistry trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Augustana College

Augustana College accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana College →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biochemists and biophysicists $103,650/yr
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists $100,590/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biochemistry at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Augustana College's Biochemistry program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biochemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Biochemistry at Augustana College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $199,336, but the average net cost is $49,748 — a 75% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →