Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
61
Base Case
58
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,428/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 22.1x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 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 $612K $602K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.5x 22.1x 20.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.2x 8.1x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 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)
$27,252
Out-of-state: $74,792 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$16,452
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,156
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,319
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $50,428 per year, Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles significantly outpace the $37,918 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology's typical career paths, with 45% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $16,156 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #2 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs nationally, California State University-Los Angeles sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $50,428 to $66,319 over five years — a 32% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About California State University-Los Angeles

With 92% of applicants admitted, California State University-Los Angeles prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,478 in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

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

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at California State University-Los Angeles?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology field.
Will AI replace Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $547,799 in decade earnings vs $612,203 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State University-Los Angeles's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 136 programs nationally, California State University-Los Angeles lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →