Program Analysis
At $43,520 per year, Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates from Iowa State University earn slightly above the $37,918 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.5x 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 12% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $18,950 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #9 of 136 programs, Iowa State University's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $70,190 show a 61% jump from the $43,520 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.