Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,869/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 25.6x earnings multiple (9.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 5%

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 $745K $725K $639K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.3x 25.6x 22.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.8x 9.6x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,292
Out-of-state: $75,812 (9.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$22,584
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,240
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,273
96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,869/yr, roughly in line with the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 25.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% 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.

With first-year pay of $38,869 far exceeding the $18,240 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California State University-Fullerton ranks #7 among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $38,869-to-$76,273 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fullerton

California State University-Fullerton accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 36,956 students in Fullerton, CA. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fullerton →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Fullerton?
At 55/100, California State University-Fullerton'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 State University-Fullerton?
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 State University-Fullerton one of the best schools for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
Among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, California State University-Fullerton's #7 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 →