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

Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,689/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #33 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 25%

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 $517K $515K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.0x 16.9x 15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 49 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,408
Out-of-state: $77,928 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,048
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $46,689/yr, edging above the $37,918 national average for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 16.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $16,500 in median debt against $46,689 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #33 out of 136 programs, California State University-Sacramento's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

About California State University-Sacramento

California State University-Sacramento has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 27,867 in Sacramento, CA. 49% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does California State University-Sacramento's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology 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.
Why does California State University-Sacramento rank so high for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
The #33 ranking out of 136 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →