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Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,210/yr (-7% vs median)

AI Risk High (45% exposed)

Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #41 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	$779K	$756K	$663K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.2x	13.7x	12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.2x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	58%	53%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,988

Out-of-state: $178,096 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,052

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,753

5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$76,967

119% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,210 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.

With a 13.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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

At $14,753 in median debt against $35,210 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #41 ranking among 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs places University of California-Los Angeles in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $35,210-to-$76,967 earnings arc over five years reflects a 119% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles admits 9% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, one of the larger campuses at 33,040 students in Los Angeles, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Los Angeles →

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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Los Angeles?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Los Angeles?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →