Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,077/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 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 $726K $707K $626K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.5x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 58% 53% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,680
Out-of-state: $179,788 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,828
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,958
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,378
127% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,077 per year, Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology graduates from University of California-Riverside earn below the $37,918 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.5x 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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $16,958 represents roughly 7 months of the $30,077 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #80 of 136 Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology programs, University of California-Riverside falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $68,378 show a 127% jump from the $30,077 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of California-Riverside

University of California-Riverside accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 22,644 students in Riverside, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology at University of California-Riverside?
A score of 37/100 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 $625,963 in decade earnings vs $725,820 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Biochemistry & Biophysics and Molecular Biology from University of California-Riverside?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →