Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,243/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs Top 50%

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 $694K $677K $604K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.6x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 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)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,004
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,125
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,734
85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,243 track close to the $37,918 national median for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 10.6x 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 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,125 debt-to-$38,243 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #48 out of 136 programs, Michigan State University's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $38,243 to $70,734 over five years (85% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 40,243 students enrolled in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State University →

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

How does Michigan State University's Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology program score?
This program scores 45/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →