Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,538/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $646K $633K $571K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.6x 14.3x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,627
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates command $57,538/yr out of the gate, well above the $37,918 national median. That 52% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 14.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,500 in median debt clears quickly against $57,538 in annual earnings.

Among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #1 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 26% earnings increase from $57,538 to $72,627 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admission to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is competitive, with 30% of applicants accepted, with 21,521 students enrolled in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

Compare Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 61/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 61/100, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
Among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →