Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,164/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #111 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $467K $470K $448K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,536
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,316
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Cornell College's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program produces graduates earning $39,164/yr — within striking distance of the $37,918 national average for this field.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $39,164 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #111 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, Cornell College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Cornell College

A 81% acceptance rate means Cornell College is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,074 students in Mount Vernon, IA. The average net cost of $100,316 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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 & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cornell College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Cornell College?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $448,228 in decade earnings vs $467,466 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Cornell College a hidden gem for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $100,316 over four years — 50% below the $202,536 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →