Biochemistry at Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,598/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #95 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $767K $744K $654K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,448
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,432
76% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,549
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,143
102% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,598 track close to the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Biochemistry career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,549 in median debt against $38,598 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #95 ranking among 136 Biochemistry programs places Grinnell College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $38,598-to-$78,143 earnings arc over five years reflects a 102% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Grinnell College

Grinnell College admits 13% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, a smaller institution with 1,705 students in Grinnell, IA. The average net cost of $62,432 over four years represents a 76% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Grinnell 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Grinnell College

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry at Grinnell College?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biochemistry programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry at Grinnell College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Biochemistry at Grinnell College?
The 76% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,448. At a net cost of $62,432, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →